UN praises £600,000 Palestinian humanitarian fund contribution as ‘lifeline’

Scotland has contributed £600,000 to a UN humanitarian fund to support the Occupied Palestinian Territories, with one official saying it is a “lifeline” for those facing hardship in the region.

The aid was announced by First Minister John Swinney in September as part of a package of measures to help address the “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Scottish Government said the money will support the delivery of a number of vital services, including lifesaving health services, nutrition, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services and education support.

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) fund helps organise the humanitarian response by international and national organisations to those in the affected areas.

Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, UN humanitarian co-ordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said: “Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship.

“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most.

“We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the funding comes as the Government looks to support the “scaling-up” of the humanitarian response in Gaza.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately-needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter,” he said.

“I am also pleased to report that following a request from Unicef, 10 child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland.

“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”