NEW YORK: USAID Administrator Samantha Power convened international donor partners to discuss ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The Administrator underscored the devastating humanitarian consequences of the ongoing hostilities in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, where IDF military operations have displaced nearly one million people from Rafah, and the imperative for Israel to do more to protect civilians.
In addition to the United States, the convening included representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Cyprus, Ireland, Kuwait, Jordan, Japan, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
In a statement attributed to USAID Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti, the USAID Administrator highlighted the urgent need for food, shelter, health, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance for Palestinians in Gaza, particularly in light
of the risk of imminent famine. Donors agreed on the need to improve operating conditions within Gaza that are limiting the effective distribution of assistance to vulnerable communities, including the vital necessity for Israel to greatly improve deconfliction mechanisms necessary to allow humanitarian workers to safely distribute aid.
Power urged donors to consider increasing their commitments to support the delivery of life-saving assistance, including contributions of additional funding to the UN and NGOs. The Administrator encouraged donors to participate in the multinational humanitarian maritime corridor by making a financial pledge or providing in-kind assistance. She emphasised, however, that land routes are still the most effective avenue for aid delivery.
Participants discussed the need for continued support and advocacy for all routes for aid to be open and maximised, particularly land routes, to ensure safe, effective aid delivery.
Source: Emirates News Agency