ID :
40637
Wed, 01/14/2009 - 15:16
Auther :

RCA, ICRC explore joint relied operations in Gaza

Abu Dhabi, Jan 14, 2009 (WAM) - The UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA)and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) discussed yesterday avenues of joint cooperation and coordination in relief operations to mitigate suffering of the people of Gaza.

As they took stock of the latest humanitarian developments in Gaza, the two humanitarian relief organisations stressed the need for maximising relief efforts to live up with arising challenges due to escalation of events and increasing hardships the population is facing.

The two sides affirmed they would go ahead with their joint relief programmes with the focus on the healthcare sector.

The remarks were made today during talks between Jean-Michel Monod, head of the regional delegation of International Committee of the Red Cross in the Gulf Region, and Ahmed Al Suweidi, Secretary General of the UAE RCA.

Monod commended efforts the UAE is making to improve the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He said the UAE relief operations are enabling affected Gazans to come term with their critical conditions and boost capacities of international relief agencies to deliver their services properly.

He noted the meeting of donor countries and international relief and humanitarian organisations convened in Abu Dhabi yesterday to discuss the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip had come out with positive results.

He also praised the RCA's efforts to support and improve humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to him, the RCA relief operations in Gaza are contributing to protect the people there from a lot of threats.

He thanked the RCA for offering $ 500,000 in support of the ICRC's drive to provide medical supplies to hospitals in Gaza.

For his part, the RCA Secretary General briefed the ICRC official about the RCA's extensive relief programmes in Gaza including a $ 2 million cash aid to UN and international humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza to urgently needed assistance.

He added that two treatment units for children worth $ 500,000 were delivered to UNICEF as part of efforts to improve the health situation.

A relief convoy carrying 300 tonnes of essential relief items was sent to Gaza through Egypt," he added.

''More assistance will be dispatched to Gaza by land and air," he said.

He affirmed the RCA's readiness to coordinate with the ICRC to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

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