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Netherlands increases aid to Palestinians

News item | 24-06-2010

The Netherlands is making an extra contribution of €5 million to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The funds will be used for food, health care and education for the most vulnerable Palestinians, and to begin the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

'The Palestinian population must at least be able to meet their most basic needs', said foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. 'The UN is doing its work in the Palestinian Territories in difficult conditions; it can count on our support.'

UNRWA called earlier this year for additional aid to the inhabitants of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This extra Dutch contribution brings to €20 million the total humanitarian aid provided via UNRWA by the Netherlands this year.

The Israeli government has announced that it will ease access to the Gaza Strip. From now on, for example, Israel will allow construction materials into the area for projects that have been approved by the Palestinian Authority and are being carried out by the UN.

The Netherlands welcomes the relaxation of the Israeli blockade, but continues to urge unconditional humanitarian access to Gaza and the opening of border crossings for the normal movement of people and goods.