22 Jul 2014

NZ to give $250,000 to Gaza appeal

8:39 pm on 22 July 2014

New Zealand is to give $250,000 to an emergency appeal from a United Nations agency sheltering Palestinians in Gaza.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has asked for nearly $70 million ($US60 million) to continue helping people forced from their homes as the violence between Gaza and Israel continues.

Scott Anderson, the agency's deputy director of operations in Gaza, said the number of displaced people in its shelters had risen from 23,000 to 101,000 in the five days to Monday.

A spokesperson for the Government said on Tuesday night it would give $250,000 to the appeal, in addition to its annual $1 million contribution to the UN agency.

Palestinians at an aid distribution centre of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza City.

Palestinians at an aid distribution centre of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza City. Photo: AFP