FIRST SHIPMENT OF USD 10 MILLION IN MEDICAL

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