Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Gaza, and many Palestine refugee families face difficulties in meeting their minimum food needs. The Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of…

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Gaza, and many Palestine refugee families face difficulties in meeting their minimum food needs.

The Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, Takeshi Okubo, and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) Commissioner-General, Pierre Krähenbühl, have signed an agreement for a JPY 600 million, approximately $ 5.4 million, contribution from Japan to support the Agency’s Gaza food assistance programme for the seventh consecutive year.

Food insecurity remains a critical issue in Gaza, and many Palestine refugee families face difficulties in meeting their minimum food needs. This generous contribution by Japan will benefit nearly 100,000 Palestine refugees in Gaza during 2018-2019 who will receive basic supplies such as wheat flour, beans and sunflower oil.

Japan continues to be a reliable and consistent supporter of UNRWA; in 2017, Japan contributed US$ 43.3 million and was among the top seven donors. The new donation follows a US$ 10 million contribution in May 2018 which allows the Agency’s emergency operations in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.