Hamas providing emergency relief to Gazans

[bemildred]

GAZA CITY, 13 February 2009 (IRIN) - The Hamas government in Gaza has said it is trying to help thousands of Palestinians who lost their homes and/or loved ones in the 22-day Israeli offensive which ended on 18 January. According to deputy minister of social affairs, Sobhi Redwan, Hamas has so far spent an estimated US$50 million on emergency relief assistance, but more aid is needed.

Scores of men have been queueing up outside the deputy minister’s office to try to persuade officials they need emergency food assistance and have not received any aid from the UN or other agencies.

“We are supplying all people in Gaza who are in need. It is the government’s duty to provide relief during and after the war,” Redwan told IRIN on 11 February.

The government has formed a “national high committee for relief” comprised of representatives from all Gaza factions except Fatah. “The goal of the committee is to provide assistance equally to all those who are suffering,” Loay Qaryuout, committee spokesperson and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine representative on the committee, told IRIN.

http://ramallahonline.com/content/2974-hamas-providing-emergency-relief-to-gazans

[GoesTo11]

1. Would be much more admirable if they didn't try to bring about the emergency

But no surprise to see them taking all the credit and not any of the blame. I hope enough Gazans connect the dots.