$571 million funding appeal launched to address humanitarian needs in Palestine

Palestinian authorities and the United Nations have launched a funding appeal seeking $571 million to support the humanitarian needs of more than 1.6 million Palestinian citizens in the occupied territories.

The Minister of Finance and Planning of the State of Palestine Shukry Bishara and the UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and Development Activities in the occupied Palestinian territory Robert Piper launched the appeal as part of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2016 on Wednesday.

The money will be used to implement 206 projects by 79 organisations, including 67 national and international NGOs and 12 UN agencies.

The bulk of the money will go on food aid for 1.6 million people, the United Nations and the Ministry of Planning of the Palestinian National Authority said.

Almost $323 million of the funding sought is to enhance food security and some $112 million is for shelter for vulnerable Palestinians. At least 65% per cent of the requested funds target needs in Gaza.