UNRWA Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl (left) shaking hands with SFD Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Yousef al-Bassam. Photo courtesy of UNRWA..

JERUSALEM, November 28, 2016 (WAFA) – Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), has contributed $67 million for projects to be implemented in Gaza, the West Bank and Jordan, according to a press release published Monday.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said its commissioner-general, Pierre Krähenbühl, signed on Monday three agreements to that regard with SFD vice-chairman and managing director, Yousef al-Bassam.

The first agreement, valued at $28 million, will support ongoing projects, including the reconstruction of shelters in Gaza.

The second agreement, valued at $32 million, will assist UNRWA in the reconstruction and furnishing of several health centers and schools in the West Bank and the implementation of several other ongoing projects; and the third agreement, valued at $7 million, will provide funds for the reconstruction, furnishing and equipping of two health centers and one school in Jordan.

Al-Bassam said: "We are a proud partner of UNRWA, which is doing an excellent job of transparently portraying the true situation of Palestine refugees. We shall continue to support UNRWA and we look forward as always to witnessing the impact of these projects on Palestine refugees."

Expressing his gratitude, Krähenbühl said: "I am extremely grateful to the government and the people of Saudi Arabia for the sustained support that the Kingdom has extended to UNRWA over the years. The Kingdom has always been forthcoming in its support towards Palestine refugees. I would like to express particular appreciation for the role played by the Saudi Fund for Development in delivering Saudi assistance. Our partnership with the Fund is of high importance to the Agency and deeply appreciated."

In 2016 alone, Saudi Arabia has contributed more than $150 million to UNRWA, making the Kingdom the second largest donor after the United States. Saudi Arabia has also been a valued member of the UNRWA Advisory Commission, which advises and assists the Commissioner-General in carrying out the Agency‘s mandate, since 2005.

M.N./M.K.