January 2009
Representative Office of Portugal, Ramallah
The Portuguese Government reiterates its deep concern with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, appealing to the establishment of an immediate cease-fire and to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, as per UNSCR 1860.
The Portuguese Government encourages once more Israel to guarantee the necessary security conditions to allow the regular distribution of humanitarian aid, including medical treatment of victims and affected population.
Talking into account the utter seriousness of the situation, the Portuguese Government has decided to make an extraordinary financial contribution of 400,000 dollars to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in reaction to this Agency’s emergency appeal.
Portugal considers that there is no military solution for the conflict, reaffirms its support to the diplomatic efforts under way and alerts to increasing risks of radicalization were hostilities to continue.
Furthermore it reiterates the need for returning to the path of negotiations with the goals of creating an independent, viable and democratic Palestinian State to live side by side, in peace and security, with Israel and its other neighbours.
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