Palestinian Food Shortages

HC Deb 24 February 2003 vol 400 c278W

Keith Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on Palestinian food shortages. [98554]

Clare Short

The economic crisis has seriously compromised household welfare. Many Palestinian families have endured long periods without work or incomes, and are now dependent on food aid for their daily survival. The international community has responded to the growing crisis through a range of interventions, including the provision of food. Donor disbursements have doubled accordingly in the last two years. But unless Palestinians can move around to work and trade, the Palestinian economy will continue to stagnate and the spiral of unemployment, poverty and malnutrition will worsen.