JERUSALEM, January 17, 2018 (WAFA) – Roberto Valent, the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories Wednesday expressed deep concern over the US reduction in funding for UNRWA.

He said in a press release that he is deeply concerned about the significant reduction, which is critical to the provision of humanitarian assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory.

“The reduction is particularly worrying against the backdrop of an overall decline in humanitarian funding in the oPt in recent years,” said Valent.

He explained that some 2.5 million Palestinians in this area, or about half of the population, need humanitarian aid, including 1.4 million Palestine refugees, who are among the most vulnerable groups in the oPt.

Some 53 per cent of the funding requirements for humanitarian interventions in the oPt for 2018 are for UNRWA activities, in the areas of health, food security, shelter, water and sanitation, and education among others; $286.7 million out of 539.7 million.   

He said, “It is crucial that decisions related to humanitarian financing be guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, in order to ensure that the essential needs of the most vulnerable are met.”

Valent said member states are encouraged to increase funding towards meeting humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip at this critical juncture.

M.H.