Press Release

OFID extends US$5 million grant to assist relief efforts in the Gaza Strip

01/2008 February 1, 2008 Vienna, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved a grant of US$5 million to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis that has evolved in the Gaza Strip. The grant was approved by the Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Jamal N. Lootah. Proceeds from the grant will be drawn from OFID’s Special Grant Account for Palestine. The funds will be channelled through 21 NGOs for them to continue providing vital, life-saving services.

There is not a single sector in the Gaza Strip that has not been devastated by the imposition of severe restrictions by the Israeli Authorities. Hospitals have run out of essential drugs, and crucial medical equipment such as incubators, X-ray machines and laboratory apparatuses are either under-functioning or not working at all. Housing and construction projects funded by UN and Arab aid institutions have ground to a halt owing to shortages of building material. Likewise, agricultural livelihoods are being wiped out as closures have prevented the transport of some 35,000 tons of vegetables destined for export. Damaged infrastructure and a scarcity of fuel have limited the operation of water supply and sanitation systems. As a result, the people of Gaza can access drinking water for only one to two hours per day.

To help reduce the crushing problems, the UN and partner agencies have launched the largest international appeal for US$462 million. The funds will support emergency humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, with a particular focus on the Gaza Strip. Twelve UN agencies, along with 30 Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international and national donor institutions, are working in close cooperation to help meet the basic needs of the Palestinian population in 2008.

Of the 21 NGOs that will benefit from OFID’s grant, US$3 million will go to the Islamic Relief Organization in the UK. This is an international relief and development charity founded in 1984 that aims at alleviating the suffering of the world’s poorest people. The institution’s latest appeal is to fund the purchase of food packages, blankets, cooking sets, emergency gas lights, drugs and urgently needed medical equipment. The remainder of the grant will be divided equally among 20 NGOs in the Gaza Strip.