UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001883

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR BBG, NEA/IPA, NEA/PPD, IIP; NSC FOR
ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KISL PREL EAID KPAO KPAL KWBG TSPA OIIP
SUBJECT: FIRST SHIPMENT OF USD 10 MILLION IN MEDICAL
ASSISTANCE ON ITS WAY TO GAZA



1. Two trucks loaded with medicine and medical supplies left
the CARE International warehouse in Ramallah the morning of
May 10, headed toward Gaza. The two truckloads are the first
shipment as part of the USD 10 million pledge of in "in kind"
medical assistance to the Palestinians that was announced May
9 in New York by Secretary Rice.


2. The shipment was marked by a press event held at the CARE
warehouse. At the event, which was covered by local and
international press, the Consul General noted that the
shipment is just one part of ongoing US assistance to the
Palestinians. He emphasized the importance of assistance
directly reaching the people who need it, saying, "The US is
committed to making sure that the critical needs of the
Palestinian people are met, and today's delivery is an
example of our determination to do just that." The Consul
General also reiterated US support for the Roadmap and
continuing interaction with President Abbas' office.


3. The Consul General and USAID Mission Director also
highlighted a follow-on effort to supply health kits to
Palestinian health care providers through UNICEF, as well as
to deliver more emergency medical supplies to West Bank and
Gaza clinics with the most urgent needs.


4. Questions from reporters at the event focused on how the
US will continue to provide assistance and what kinds of
assistance could be expected in the future.

WALLES