The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) launched an appeal for humanitarian assistance and early recovery worth $164 million, following the aggression on Gaza during the month of May 2021.
This updated appeal includes the immediate emergency response measures implemented by UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank during the period between 10-31 May, in addition to the early recovery needs of Palestine refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, until December 31, 2021. As stated in the statement, "UNRWA".
This appeal replaces the initial flash appeal of $38 million issued on May 19, 2021.
“The impact of this conflict on Palestine refugees - as in the previous three rounds of violence - has been devastating," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philip Lazzarini.
"The trauma suffered by the people of Gaza, including some 1.4 million Palestine refugees, will continue to reverberate for a long time," he added.
The airstrikes caused extensive damage to physical infrastructure, including homes, UNRWA installations, and water and sanitation networks in refugee camps.
UNRWA facilities that served as emergency shelters have also been damaged, with up to 71,000 people seeking shelter at the height of the conflict.
As on 23 May, it is estimated that approximately 7,500 Palestine refugees remain displaced, of whom 7,150 are sheltering with relatives and friends, and approximately 350 individuals remain in two UNRWA schools in Jabalia and Beach Camp.
This appeal identifies the needs for emergency repair of shelters, humanitarian assistance to displaced families, emergency repairs and maintenance of UNRWA facilities, and also that funds will be required to support temporary rental subsidies for Palestine refugee families, whose homes have been completely destroyed or damaged, in the form of cash assistance for transitional shelter. .
The UNRWA statement stated, “An alarming number of Gazans, especially children, are showing physical and psychological signs of extreme distress, and they are at risk of developing psychological disorders.”
The appeal outlines funds required for mental health and psychosocial support activities, including recreational and stress-relieving activities, which are much needed in a safe environment, along with psychosocial assistance and referrals to more specialized mental health services, where needed, for which weeks will be organized. Summer fun and after school activities for up to 150,000 kids.
He indicated that other funding is required for education in emergencies, environmental health, protection and emergency preparedness.
UNRWA takes this opportunity to remind its partners that the activities outlined in this appeal can only be implemented if the Agency’s Program Budget and Emergency Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territories for 2021 receives voluntary contributions of the amount required to maintain staff and infrastructure necessary to provide health, education, and services Mental health, relief, environmental health and protection, as well as the coordination and management components of the response.
UNRWA reiterated that the implementation of activities related to the reconstruction in Gaza requires the smooth flow of goods and materials through the only designated entry point, which is the "Karm Abu Salem" crossing.
Commissioner-General Lazzarini concluded: “UNRWA is on the ground in Gaza and is ready to move forward with the massive recovery effort in a timely, efficient and safe manner, but we are counting on the generous support of our partners to implement all the necessary reconstruction, humanitarian assistance and protection projects outlined in this Flash Appeal. “.
