The Palestinian Cabinet warned on Tuesday of the serious humanitarian repercussions of the decision by several international relief institutions to reduce or halt their programs in the Gaza Strip, noting that this is due to "funding shortages." The Cabinet affirmed that this decision threatens the continuity of the relief system, leading to intensified suffering for families and rising malnutrition rates among the population.
For its part, the Cabinet renewed its call on the United Nations and donor countries to "provide the necessary funding to ensure the continuation of aid, and intensify pressure on the occupation to open crossings and secure the flow of humanitarian supplies." It also appealed to Arab and Islamic countries and the international community to "provide urgent financial and relief support to alleviate the suffering of the Strip's residents."
It pointed out that the decision by international relief institutions, most recently the announcement by the "World Food Programme" to halt aid for nearly half a million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, exacerbates the suffering of poor families, widows, orphans, the elderly, and people with disabilities. It highlighted the increased risk of malnutrition among children and pregnant women, which prompted the Palestinian Minister of Social Development to meet with the Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Carl Sikau, to inform him of the risks and joint efforts to mobilize funding.
In the same context, the Palestinian Cabinet warned of escalating attacks and thefts by settlers during the olive harvest season, which have targeted Palestinians, foreign solidarity activists, and diplomatic missions. It confirmed that more than 350 incidents have been documented since the start of the season, as part of a systematic policy targeting Palestinians, their land, and their property.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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