Islamic group OKs fund to support Palestinians via UN
A new endowment fund established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation with the participation of the Islamic Development Bank will support UN efforts to help Palestinians, who have been cut off from US funding.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially agreed to launch a fund that could in part ease the hardship caused by the United States slashing its funding to Palestinians.
The Jeddah-based OIC will establish a waqf (endowment) fund in support of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
“The waqf fund will serve as a financial deposit to the Palestinian refugees under the umbrella of the Islamic Development Bank, in a bid to raise funds from countries and institutions," Yousef al-Othaimeen, OIC secretary-general, announced in a March 4 statement. "The fund will also help strengthen the financial situation of UNRWA and support its activities in the humanitarian relief and development areas."
Othaimeen noted the final decision was made March 1 during an OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Abu Dhabi, though talks had begun much earlier.
