THE First Minister has unveiled a further £250,000 to support displaced people in Gaza.
The money will help to provide access to food, water, shelter and medical supplies and takes the total given to assist relief efforts via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s Flash Appeal (UNRWA) to £750,000.
An estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict and military evacuation orders.
Yousaf said: “I have been repeatedly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, but while we press this vital issue it’s important we support the Palestinian people as much as we can.
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“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic which is why I’m pledging this additional funding to support in helping to stop the humanitarian disaster we are witnessing.
“As supplies run out in Gaza, the lives of innocent civilians are at grave risk from a lack of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.
“My thoughts remain with all of those caught in the middle of the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza.
“The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified.”
There are around 670,000 people currently seeking shelter in UNRWA shelters in Gaza.
The director of the UNRWA Representative Office in Europe Marta Lorenzo welcomed the funding and said, “Scotland has proven they stand hand in hand with Palestine refugees and those suffering in Gaza”.
She added: “Scotland is helping UNRWA provide shelter, food, medicines and water to entire families that had to flee their home.
“We are extremely grateful for the additional contribution from Scotland demonstrating the increasingly strong support to UNRWA.
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“With this vital funding the agency will be able to continue providing essential and life-saving aid.
“With the ongoing crisis deepening further each day it is vital for more donors to step forward and support the millions of people suffering in the Gaza strip.”
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