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The EU is providing an additional €5 million to support emergency relief operations in the Gaza Strip where the humanitarian crisis continues to grow.
"I am horrified by the loss of lives and injuries caused to civilians in Gaza. It is unconscionable that hospitals and schools, where there are terrified children, women, the sick and the elderly taking shelter, have become military targets." said Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection.
The new funding will allow humanitarian organisations to deliver safe drinking water, emergency medical services, basic household items and hygiene kits, as well as food rations.
Since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge the death toll stands at around 650, 74% of those being civilians, with over
150 000 people displaced. The massive flow of displaced people is straining the capacity to ensure adequate shelter, food, drinking water and medical care.Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, health centres and schools have been severely damaged or destroyed.
Since 2000, the EU has provided €700 million in humanitarian funding to help meet the basic needs of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Current humanitarian funding for 2014 totals €31.6 million which benefits more than two million people.
