AMMAN: Regional heads of UN agencies helping some 5.5 million Syrian refugees say they’ve received only 20 percent of $5.6 billion promised for 2018, warning that they’ll soon have to scrap vital aid programs involving food, water and education.
Amin Awad of the UN refugee agency told a news conference Thursday that “this is an urgent and critical appeal” to international donors to disburse the money.
He says that without the funds, aid agencies “cannot be responsible for this number of refugees and this big numbers of host communities who have shown generosity during the last seven years.”
Syria’s civil war has displaced millions, including those who fled to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Lebanon, and those who were uprooted within Syria.
Refugee aid programs have faced chronic funding shortages.
UN agencies for Syria refugees warn of critical cash crunch
UN agencies for Syria refugees warn of critical cash crunch
About 50,000 worshippers perform Taraweeh prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque
- Palestinians are observing Ramadan amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank
- Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month
LONDON: Nearly 50,000 worshippers performed the Isha and Ramadan Taraweeh prayers on Sunday evening at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem.
Thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa despite facing Israeli military checkpoints and strict identity checks at the mosque’s gates, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
Palestinians are observing the fasting month of Ramadan, which began last Wednesday, amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, including attacks by settlers, and Israeli raids and arrests.
Over 300 Jerusalemites have recently received Israeli orders prohibiting their entry to Al-Aqsa during Ramadan, the Wafa news agency reported.
Israeli forces have increased their military presence in Jerusalem and restricted access to Al-Aqsa to children under 12, men over 55, and women over 50.
Since Wednesday, thousands of Palestinians have lined up to pass through military checkpoints, including Qalandiya and Bethlehem, in hopes of attending prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.
