Doha, July 25 (QNA) - The State of Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), is contributing USD 25 million to UNRWA to support Palestinian Refugees and the agency's human development and humanitarian activities in the region.

Following the signing between the two parties, Acting Director-General of QFFD Sultan bin Ahmed Al Aseeri said that, "in addition to its vital role in providing basic services to Palestine Refugees in its fields of operation, including education, healthcare, and social protection, UNRWA today has a critical role to deliver aid to the people in Gaza who are facing a horrific war. This contribution reaffirms Qatar's strong support for the Palestinian cause and for addressing the humanitarian situation facing Palestinian Refugees".

Similarly, UNRWA Director of External Relations and Communications, Tamara Alrifai said that "Qatar has long been a steadfast supporter of Palestine Refugees and an advocate and supporter of UNRWA's work across the region.

"The Agency is grateful to the government and people of Qatar for their solidarity and generosity, especially as the situation in Gaza reaches unprecedented levels of suffering," Alrifai added, pointing out that "UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and remains one of the sources of normality for Palestine Refugees in the region, through critical services such as healthcare and education." UNRWA's significant financial challenges threaten its ability to maintain its essential services for Palestine Refugees. The Agency has called on donors and partners to renew their support for Palestine Refugees at large, and particularly for the people of Gaza, who depend on UNRWA for their survival needs.

In 2023, Qatar contributed USD 18 million to the Programme Budget of UNRWA in support of Palestine Refugees. (QNA)