Scotland pledges $606,000 for humanitarian aid for Gaza

The Scottish Government will provide £500,000 ($606,183) towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s flash appeal in response to the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip.

In a tweet, First Minister Hamza Yousaf said: “A humanitarian corridor must be opened to allow supplies through to those in need.”

UNRWA’s appeal is urgently seeking funds to respond to the immediate food, health, shelter and protection needs of up to 250,000 people seeking safety in UNRWA shelters in Gaza and another 250,000 Palestine refugees within the community.

“Our thoughts are with all the innocent people caught in the middle of escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The Scottish Government reiterates the call from the First Minister and the UN Secretary-General for a humanitarian corridor to be established so that urgent assistance can be given to those civilians who are trapped, helpless and cannot leave,” International Development Minister Christina McKelvie said.

UNRWA Director of External Relations and Communications Tamara Alrifai said: “This generous contribution is an incredibly humane gesture towards tens of thousands of people who are in utter distress in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA is very grateful for the show of support by Scotland and will use every penny to help alleviate the suffering of civilian women, children and men in Gaza.”

READ: Egypt warns Israel against pursuing starvation policy in Gaza