Agency | Edited by Sangeeta Das
Bharat has yet again demonstrated its “generous gesture” by releasing the second tranche of US$ 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees or UNRWA on Friday.
The UN agency has been active in lifesaving services for registered Palestinian refugees since its inception in 1950 and this monetary assistance will help it to carry forward the work amid ongoing war between Hamas terrorists and Israeli defence forces in Gaza since the former launched horrific attack in Jewish State of Israel on October 7.
UN agency spokesperson Tamara Alrifai expressed, “As we reach the end of a strenuous year in the region, UNRWA is obliged for the support of partners for continuously standing by Palestine Refugees.”
She added, “The recent generous gesture by Bharat will help UNRWA continue its lifesaving activities towards Palestine Refugees.”
Bharat’s Charge deAffaires Elizabeth Rodrigues in Ramallah handed over the second tranche of US$ 2.5 million to the UN agency to fulfil annual commitment of US$ 5 million for the year 2023-24.
The Indian Government had released the first tranche of its annual commitment in November and the agency had praised and welcomed Bharat’s “generous contribution”. Bharat has provided US$ 30 million to UNRWA since 2018.
UNRWA, funded almost completely by voluntary donations from UN Member States, is battling to keep up its functioning amidst the Gaza conflict.
Bharat’s contribution will help the UN agency’s core programmes and services in fields of healthcare, education, social services and relief to Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA is mandated to provide aid and protection to as many as 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it across its five fields of operation.
