By NNN-IRNA
Vienna : OPEC’s humanitarian arm said Friday it has approved USD5 million to help ease suffering in the Gaza Strip.
The OPEC Fund for International Development said the money would be channeled through 21 non-governmental organizations that it said were providing `vital, lifesaving services’ in the region.
It said severe restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities have created `crushing problems,’ such as causing hospitals to run out of essential medicines and making it difficult or impossible to repair or replace key equipment such as infant incubators and X-ray machines.
“Damaged infrastructure and a scarcity of fuel have limited the operation of water supply and sanitation systems. As a result, the people of Gaza can access drinking water for only one to two hours per day, the fund said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to IRNA Vienna office on Friday.
It said the Britain-based Islamic Relief Organization would get US$3 million of the grant.