UNRWA launches $300m appeal for Gaza

Three years after the end of the Gaza war, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has launched an emergency appeal for Gaza and the West Bank worth just over USD 300 million. Speaking at UNRWA, Deputy Commissioner-General Margo Ellis said: “The effects of the war still persist today and the humanitarian needs of the women, men and children of Gaza remain widespread and acute.” Commenting on the continuing Israeli blockade, she told journalists: “Despite an easing of access, Gaza remains under a blockade and its population subject to collective punishment, an act illegal under international law.” Meanwhile, UNRWA has continued its reconstruction efforts. Out of a USD 667 million reconstruction plan, UNRWA has been able to complete 22 projects worth some USD 22.5 million and is presently working on implementation of further projects worth some USD 115 million . This is a sizeable amount and reflects good progress made, but dozens more schools and thousands of homes still need to be built. While we welcome the steps made by the Israeli authorities in approving projects, we need to step up the pace of reconstruction. Three years on, UNRWA calls on the international community to work with the relevant parties to ease further the restrictions, give swifter approval for more projects and put an end to the blockade.