Swiss government pledges CHF11 million to UNRWA amid Gaza crisis

Switzerland will contribute CHF10 million ($12 million) to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) this year, the government announced on Wednesday. An additional CHF1 million will go towards strengthening the agency itself, while a further CHF9 million is being allocated to support four other humanitarian organisations. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox “The government has voiced deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, saying the situation is being made worse by the continued lack of access to aid,” the press release said. It also called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and to respect the Geneva Conventions. + What are the allegations upending UNRWA’s aid efforts in Gaza? The Swiss government says UNRWA plays a key role in providing health care, education and social services to around 3.5 million Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The CHF10 million contribution ...