Saudi Arabia donates $10 million to UNRWA

Saudi Arabia on Monday donated $10 million to UNRWA's programs in Gaza and the West Bank, a statement said. An agreement was signed Monday in Riyadh between the vice chairman of the Saudi Fund for Development and the UN refugee agency's commissioner general, Filippo Grandi. "Once again, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stepped forward, proving itself to be an exemplary supporter of UNRWA and the Palestine refugees whom we serve," Grandi said. "This latest contribution will allow UNRWA to deliver much-needed equipment, supplies and other essentials to thousands of refugees who rely on us for basic services in education and health." The donation will be used to purchase essential education materials and supplies to repair and upgrade educational facilities in 27, out of 341, schools in Gaza and the West Bank, a statement said. Saudi Arabia, via the Saudi Fund for Development, is one of UNRWA's major donors. UNRWA was founded in 1949 to serve refugees in Gaza, the West Bank and neighboring Arab countries after hundreds of thousands were displaced from Palestine by Jewish militias when Israel was created. The agency's most recent mandate extends to June 30, 2014.