RAMALLAH

UNRWA on Monday signed two agreements with the German Development Bank (GDB) worth a total of 25 million euros (approximately $31.3 million) to aid struggling Palestinian refugees from Syria who are seeking refuge in Lebanon.

Twenty of the 25 million euros – provided by the GDB on behalf of the German government – will go towards "cash assistance for temporary shelter, as well as major repairs and the reconstruction of homes in Gaza," the UNRWA said in a statement.

"This will help families who are still homeless following the summer 2014 hostilities [between Israel and Palestinian resistance factions] move into transitional shelter until their home repairs have been completed," it said.

An additional 5 million euros, the UNRWA added, would "provide vital assistance to the most vulnerable Palestine refugees from Syria in Lebanon through targeted cash assistance for food, shelter and winterization needs."

"This donation will also fund essential improvements to UNRWA infrastructure and environmental health services," the UN refugee agency added. "These improvements will help maintain healthy environments in refugee camps and provide emergency collective shelter rehabilitation."

On Tuesday, the agency called on the international community to earmark $414 million to support Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank and the blockaded Gaza Strip.

The UNRWA provides assistance and protection for some 5 million registered Palestinian refugees.

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