Riyadh, November 30, 2024 — In a significant step to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has announced the signing of a crucial agreement worth $4 million to support essential healthcare and water, sanitation, and hygiene projects for vulnerable communities in the region. This agreement, signed on the sidelines of the International Conference on Conjoined Twins held in Riyadh, is a continuation of Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with a focus on the well-being of children and families affected by the conflict.
The formal agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs at KSrelief, and Eltayeb Adam, UNICEF Representative to the Gulf Area. The partnership between KSrelief and UNICEF marks a vital effort to bring tangible support to the Palestinian people, particularly the most vulnerable children, who are enduring the brunt of the crisis.
The $4 million aid package will be distributed across two critical areas. A significant portion of the funds will be allocated for the procurement and delivery of essential medical equipment and devices, directly benefiting 73,000 children in Gaza who are in urgent need of healthcare. This includes life-saving treatments, surgical interventions, and specialized care for children suffering from various illnesses exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
In addition to healthcare, the funding will be channeled into water, sanitation, and hygiene projects aimed at providing clean water and improving living conditions for 106,590 individuals in Gaza. These initiatives are essential in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and ensuring that families have access to the most basic necessities for survival. The provision of clean water and sanitation facilities is critical in reducing health risks in a region already overwhelmed by the impacts of war.
This humanitarian initiative is in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s long-standing efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly during times of intense crisis. KSrelief, one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations in the region, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting international relief efforts, particularly in conflict zones such as Gaza. This agreement further underscores the Kingdom's role as a leading contributor to humanitarian assistance and development aid across the Middle East.
Eng. Al Baiz expressed the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting the Palestinian people, stating that this aid is part of a broader strategy to help alleviate the suffering of those caught in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between international organizations such as UNICEF and KSrelief to ensure the delivery of aid reaches those in need swiftly and effectively.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, this timely intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to thousands of children and families, helping to alleviate some of the most pressing needs in healthcare, water, and sanitation. Through this partnership, KSrelief and UNICEF are reaffirming their shared commitment to the well-being of Gaza's most vulnerable populations, offering hope for a better future amid the challenges of the present.