April 13, 2013 Gaza Strip_EU economic crisis causes aid for Palestinian refugees to dry up
Palestinian refugees in Gaza have been protesting against the lack of aid from the headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The organization temporarily halted payments to the needy people in Gaza as the European economic crisis has led to underfinancing.
"The program of direct finance help was financed by a few countries from the UNRWA fund. But at the moment the financing of the program has been delayed, but not stopped. As soon as the financing is restored, the program will function again", said Adnan Abu Hasna, spokesman for UNRWA.
The refugees living in the camps of Syria, Jordan and Palestine are desperate.
"We shouldn't pay the European bills, it is not our fault if there is an economic collapse in Cyprus, Spain or anywhere else. Let them seek opportunities to cut the costs in other places, not in this", said Moneer al-Miynawi , Palestinian refugee.
The protesting refugees often go to the headquarters of UNRWA in Gaza, sometimes to launch attacks. The agency staff felt under threat, so it was decided to close the office until financing is restored.
"The support they provide is not enough, they don't even give us the $11 they used to give. I do not know what to do, shall we sell the things they gave us? I cannot afford it", said another refugee Um Foad Zaatar.
Adnan Abu Hasna, the spokesman for UNRWA agency explained to RT:
"We do our best to solve the problem. The general commissioner is in contact with the foreign countries to find a solution. We hope we will be able to tackle the problem".
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