The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and UNRWA signed a multiyear contribution agreement totaling US$ 18 million for 2023-2024 in support of Palestine Refugees, including the rising needs of those in the Gaza Strip.

QFFD aims to provide financial tools for responsive and effective humanitarian and development aid.

In a Monday press statement, UNRWA said through this agreement, QFFD, on behalf of the State of Qatar, will enable the Agency's vital work to continue uninterrupted services, including its emergency response efforts for Palestine Refugees in the Gaza Strip.

Khalifa Al-Kuwari, Director General of QFFD, stated: “In the face of the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked with unprecedented levels of loss of life, human suffering, displacement, and destruction, QFFD will continue to practice collaboration and agility to continue the support of our brothers in Palestine.”

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, noted: “This contribution from QFFD comes at a critical time for the Agency as we look to scale up our operations to meet the unprecedented humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip and across the Middle East.” “Multiyear agreements such as this one safeguard the Agency’s continued delivery of aid and services to Palestine Refugees and all civilians in times of emergency. I am grateful to Qatar for its continued support”, added Lazzarini.

QFFD contributed US$ 18 million to UNRWA with multiyear support in 2021-2022, in addition to US$ 7 million in support to the Agency’s 2022 Emergency Appeal for Syria.