Homeless Palestinians Get EU Support

The European Commission has allocated €1.35 million ($1.65 million) to Palestinians whose homes in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, were destroyed by the Israeli army. During last May’s incursions into Rafah some 3,800 people were made homeless. Water supply networks, sewage systems, and two schools will be rehabilitated, and the victims will also receive cash assistance to replace household goods and belongings that were lost in the rubble, the Commission announced on Wednesday. "The Israeli authorities must take urgent action to alleviate the suffering of the population in the occupied territories, where the humanitarian situation has alarmingly deteriorated over the past years," Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Poul Nielson said. It is the second time this year that the European Commission, one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, has provided aid to victims of house demolitions in the Gaza Strip. In March, €1 million were granted. (EUobserver.com)