EU commission allocates 58 million euros to Palestinians

Ma'an
The European Commission allocated 58 million euros in humanitarian aid to support operations in favor of the most vulnerable people affected by the ongoing crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories and to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, a statement read Tuesday.

The funds are channeled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO)... who said "[t]his humanitarian financing shows that Europe cares. Our help for the helpless is crucial to saving lives and reducing suffering in humanitarian hotspots around the world."

"Humanitarian aid is crucial in saving lives and alleviating suffering until longer term solutions are found. It goes to those most in need, irrespective of their nationality, religion, political affiliation or ethnic origin,"...

The EU-funded projects will be implemented by international relief organizations, specialized UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

The funds, which aim at protecting and assisting the most vulnerable segments of the population of the occupied Palestinian territory, and Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, will also improve their nutritional status by delivering food assistance as well as short-term food security and emergency livelihood support. Psychosocial support, especially to children, is also a major component, in addition to access to clean water and basic health services.

The European Commission is one of the largest aid donors for the Palestinian population in the Middle East and since 2000, the commission has donated more than 500 million euros. Additionally, the EU channels assistance through PEGASE, which assists the Palestinian Authority to "meet the needs of all Palestinians and to strengthen their Institutions," the statement concluded.  Full story