Jerusalem, Dec 12 (FN Agency) At least $6.6 billion is required to meet the humanitarian needs of 3.3 million Palestinians next year, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. “The UN and partners estimate that at least US$6.6 billion is required to address the humanitarian needs of 3.3 million people in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” the office said in a statement on Wednesday. At the same time, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the meeting with UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini that London would allocate over $16 million to the organization.
“On funding, the Prime Minister committed to an additional 13 million pounds [$16.6 million] to UNRWA to support vital services for Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and the region,” the prime minister’s office said. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Palestinian movement Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in Gaza and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The death toll from the Israeli attacks has surpassed 44,700, according to local health authorities.