Danish minister of foreign affairs visits Gaza, announces US$3.4m donation

GAZA, (PIC)-- The Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Martin Lidegaard, arrived in Gaza on Wednesday becoming the second European Foreign Minister to visit Gaza after the latest Israeli war on the Strip.

Minister Lidegaard checked out first-hand the destruction wrought by the summer’s conflict and took note of the long-term financial, humanitarian and political support necessary to help the people of Gaza rebuild.

The Danish delegation drove through the devastated Shejayeh neighborhood and visited the UNRWA Collective Center at Zaitoun Prep Girls’ School in Gaza Area. Zaitoun Prep Girls’ School currently hosts 1,642 of the more than 30,000 internally displaced persons still living in UNRWA facilities because their homes have been severely damaged or destroyed.

Minister Lidegaard expressed his government’s support for UNRWA and announced a donation of US$ 4.2 million to support Gaza, of which US$ 3.4 million will go to UNRWA.

“Today I have witnessed the massive damages on the ground caused by the 50-day conflict. The scope of the destruction is devastating and continues to affect thousands of lives”, the Danish Minister said.

For children growing up in such challenging circumstances, it is important that they receive the support and assistance that they need, he added.

“I am proud that Denmark is able to help UNRWA and provide them with vital support to ensure that Gaza’s children can attend school”. more

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