The International Committee of the Red Cross is implementing a new aid program for 120,000 Palestinians. Patrick Vial, the operational deputy of the Red Cross in the region, states that each month a $90 coupon will be provided to families in nine Palestinian cities. He mentions that families can use these coupons to purchase any goods they wish, but they must shop at Red Cross-approved stores. According to Red Cross officials, two years into the Intifada or uprising of the Palestinian people against Israel, about 70 percent of Palestinians live below the poverty line. The new program will continue until the end of this year. Mr. Vial states that the Red Cross does not intend to implement a long-term humanitarian aid program, as under international law, Israel is obligated to meet the needs of Palestinians in the occupied territories.
New Aid Program for 120,000 Palestinians - 2002-08-16
The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a new aid program providing $90 monthly coupons to 120,000 Palestinians in nine cities. This initiative comes as a response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with 70% of Palestinians living below the poverty line two years into the Intifada. The program will run until the end of the year, highlighting the responsibilities of Israel under international law.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a new aid program to provide $90 monthly coupons to 120,000 Palestinians in nine cities, addressing the humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing Intifada. This program is set to continue until the end of the year.
- 70% of Palestinians live below the poverty line due to the ongoing conflict.
- The aid program is not intended to be a long-term solution, emphasizing Israel's obligations under international law.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Second Intifada began in 2000 as a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, leading to significant violence and a humanitarian crisis in the region. The Red Cross's involvement reflects ongoing international concern for the welfare of Palestinians.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%