The Government of Japan signed on Monday a contribution agreement amounting to 450,000,000 Japanese Yen (approximately US$ 4.3 million) with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UNRWA said in a press release that this important contribution will enable it to continue to provide food assistance to 99,000 Palestine refugees in Gaza, aiming to mitigate the impact of poverty and food insecurity of those most in need, especially under the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am very happy to share with you that the Government of Japan has decided to contribute approximately US$ 4.3 million to UNRWA at this critical time. This contribution represents our determined commitment and solidarity to Palestine refugees at a time when the region is experiencing serious humanitarian crisis,” Ambassador MAGOSHI Masayuki said.

Sami Mshasha, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of External Relations and Communication of UNRWA, said: “On behalf of UNRWA, I would like to thank the Government of Japan for its generous contribution for supporting Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. The Government of Japan has been exemplary in its support to the Agency. We deeply appreciate this very generous support during an exceptionally challenging period of its existence to assist the vulnerable community.”

The Government of Japan is a dedicated donor to UNRWA, having supported the Agency since 1953. In 2019, the Government of Japan was the 8th largest contributor to the Agency, playing a critical role at a time when UNRWA faced an existential crisis.

UNRWA is confronted with an increased demand for services resulting from a growth in the number of registered Palestine refugees, the extent of their vulnerability and their deepening poverty. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions and financial support has been outpaced by the growth in needs. As a result, the UNRWA programme budget, which supports the delivery of core essential services, operates with a large shortfall.