Ashton, UNRWA chief sign $72M Palestinian aid agreement
EU and UNRWA in new deal that sets aside major sum for Palestinian refugees. 'This represents our ongoing commitment to Palestine refugees,' says Ashton
The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, and the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Chief, Filippo Grandi, signed a $72 million financing agreement towards the Agency’s General Fund.
Speaking at a signing ceremony at UNRWA's Vocational Training Centre in Gaza City, Grandi expressed gratitude to the EU for its firm support of UNRWA: "The concrete, substantial impact of this contribution is even more significant as it happens at a time when millions in the region are calling for better lives and more opportunities."
Related stories:
The EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said during her visit that "the continued EU support to UNRWA is an essential element of the EU strategy to bring peace and stability to the region.
"The $72 million contribution we are signing today represents our ongoing commitment to Palestine refugees. It will support UNRWA's general fund, the main engine that keeps the organization going and provides all its essential services.
"I am very pleased we can announce this from Gaza today and would like to pay tribute to the important work UNRWA is doing for the population of Gaza".
High Representative Ashton and Commissioner-General Grandi also met with youth leaders at the Gaza Training Centre, a unique opportunity to exchange views and raise issues of mutual interest with the youth community, before moving on to speak with business and civil society leaders at Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children, a registered Palestinian NGO in Gaza City supported by the EU.
Elior Levy contributed to the report
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
