Bethlehem/PNN/

A German delegation led by Oliver Owcza, Head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah to Gaza, has signed an agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) pledging EUR 36 million in support of the Agency’s core services to the Palestinian refugees.

The Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, Thomas White, said, “I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Germany for this generous support to UNRWA and Palestine refugees. This continued funding reaffirms Germany’s commitment to Palestine refugees. Germany is one of our leading and most valued partners in sustainably rehabilitating UNRWA schools, health centers and other installations as well as creating job opportunities for Palestine refugees.”

Oliver Owcza, Head of the German Representative Office, said: “Germany is a reliable partner to UNRWA and its essential work in support of Palestine refugees across the region. Under the prevailing political circumstances, promoting temporary employment opportunities, and sustaining UNRWA basic services can support Palestine refugees’ resilience to cope with the manifold challenges they are facing.”

“Improving precarious living conditions, especially in Gaza where poverty and unemployment rates are skyrocketing, remains a key priority of the German Government,” he added.

The visit to Gaza was followed by the signing of two new agreements with KfW totaling EUR 36 million in support of Palestine refugees and UNRWA in Gaza, Jordan and Lebanon.