Brussels, 27/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, had temporarily to close its offices in Gaza City last week as protesters blockaded its entrances, angry at the slashing of UNRWA's emergency programmes.
UNRWA said that its critical services - in health and education - were being maintained as normal and that suspension of other programmes was merely temporary. UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness explained that this situation was due to lack of donor funds. UNRWA has a €35 million shortfall in its emergency budget. It has, Gunness said, been forced to make drastic cuts to its programmes in Gaza.
The original emergency appeal of US$300 million has been scaled back to $150 million. Gunness said that it is feared that “if the current situation continues”, further cuts will be necessary. UNRWA received €40 million in EU support this year and €30 million last. (F.B./transl.rt)