Amid ongoing challenges in the region, Norway has announced an additional aid package of 125 million Norwegian kroner (approximately $13.2 million) for Palestine. The aid will be channeled through the United Nations and the World Bank, primarily to support the Palestinian public sector. This comes in response to the severe humanitarian needs stemming from the continuing impact of the Gaza conflict, which has severely limited access to essential services such as food, clean water, electricity, and healthcare.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the importance of international assistance during this critical period. He called for accelerated early-recovery efforts and improved humanitarian access to address the pressing needs of Palestinians. Furthermore, Eide urged the implementation of a UN Security Council-adopted 20-point peace plan and stressed the importance of Palestinians taking a pivotal role in their own reconstruction efforts.
In the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Norway reiterated its stance against Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank. The Norwegian government expressed concerns that the expansion of settlements, along with settler attacks and restrictions on Palestinian movement, is exacerbating insecurity and hindering progress towards a viable political solution.
This latest financial commitment is part of a larger pledge by Norway, which is providing around 1 billion Norwegian kroner in assistance to Palestine for the year. The support underscores Norway’s ongoing efforts to contribute to peace and stability in the region through humanitarian aid and diplomatic engagement.