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Further schemes for temporary humanitarian relief

February 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has issued a joint press release together with the Palestinian Authority announcing details of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2016, which seeks to raise $571 million to address humanitarian needs in the occupied Palestinian territories. Replete with statistical information, the press release is another jarring effort that claims to address “the root causes” without attempting to address Israel’s colonial presence. At best, the efforts will provide temporary relief while Israel schemes to raise the stakes.

Palestinian Authority Minister of Finance and Planning Shukry Bishara referred to the escalating violence against Palestinian civilians since October 2015 as a major concern, stating that around 16,000 have been injured. UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and Development Robert Piper referred to “forty-eight years of occupation by the State of Israel” and its consequences, as well as the more visible assaults, such as the attacks on Gaza, which have negatively affected the coping mechanisms of Palestinian families.

Food insecurity, protection, displacement, deprivation of basic needs, as well as home demolitions, are cited as the main areas that need to be addressed by the forthcoming humanitarian program. Approximately $323 million will be used to counter food insecurity and $112 million will go towards shelter for displaced Palestinians. While 65 per cent of the funds will target needs in Gaza, shelter for Palestinians in Gaza will not be covered by the Humanitarian Response Plan, given the UN reconstruction mechanism which is allegedly responsible for rebuilding the enclave.

Piper’s concluding remarks are a reverberation of typical UN rhetorical contradictions. He said: “Addressing the root causes of the crisis through a political solution is vital to moving forward. Meanwhile, protecting the rights of Palestinians living under occupation remains the humanitarian community’s main obligation and priority.”

Throughout the decades, the international community has not only failed to address the root cause, but also allowed the rights of Palestinians to deteriorate further, while ensuring that, for every humanitarian gesture, Israel reaps additional benefits, particularly silent affirmations regarding further settlement expansion and the abominable stipulation of concessions to counter any diplomatic displeasure.

Yesterday, the Times of Israel reported that the European Union (EU) is ready to engage in talks to end the diplomatic spat caused by the labelling of settlement products, adding that “sources spoke of an unspecified concession the EU could grant Israel in compensation”. The manipulative tactics were succinctly summarised by an unnamed Israeli official who was quoted as saying: “They understand they have to give us something in words and deeds.” Like other gestures symbolising alleged support for Palestine, there is the expectation that it will be countered by even greater benefits for Israel.

Reluctance to take steps and obliterate the colonial project in Palestine is the root cause of all consequences. Meanwhile, as the international community upholds Israel’s security narrative and remains entrenched within the realm of futile condemnations, colonial expansion continues to jeopardise Palestinian lives. This exacerbates several existent humanitarian needs and forces organisations to maintain the cycle of dependence, rather than provide opportunities for independence.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.