US restores assistance for Palestinians

Palestine

Published: 2021-04-07 21:40

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 05:28


US restores assistance for Palestinians
US restores assistance for Palestinians

The United States announced Wednesday its plan to restart economic, development and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Blinken announced a package including USD 75 million in economic and development assistance in the West Bank and Gaza, USD 10 million for peacebuilding programs through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and USD 150 million in humanitarian assistance for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

He added “We are also resuming vital security assistance programs. All assistance will be provided consistent with US law.”

Economic assistance includes support for small and medium enterprises’ recovery from the effects of COVID-19; support for needy households to access basic human needs, such as food and clean water; and assistance for Palestinian civil society.

A portion of this funding will support the East Jerusalem Hospital Network, as it continues to provide necessary and life-saving treatments to Palestinians. This funding is in addition to the USD 15 million in humanitarian assistance to address the COVID-19 pandemic and food insecurity the United States announced in March.

The United States is resuming support for UNRWA’s services, including education for over 500,000 Palestinian boys and girls, thereby providing hope and stability in UNRWA’s five fields of operation in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Funding to UNRWA also provides critical COVID-19 assistance, including healthcare, medicine, and medical supplies, as well as cash and food assistance to families severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

The United States is deeply committed to ensuring that their partnership with UNRWA promotes neutrality, accountability, and transparency.