Norway to increase its support for Palestine refugees

Press release | Date: 12/07/2024| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'After nine months of war, the situation for the population in Gaza is catastrophic. They lack everything. Many are starving. UNRWA is the backbone of all humanitarian efforts in Gaza. That is why Norway is now increasing its support by providing additional NOK 100 million to UNRWA,' said Minister of Development Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim.

The increase will be announced in connection with a meeting for UNRWA's donors at the UN headquarters in New York today. With this increase, Norway's contribution to UNRWA this year amounts to NOK 475 million (approximately USD 47 million).

Due to the war, accusations from Israel, repeated attacks on the organisation and the halt in contributions from major donors, UNRWA is in an extremely difficult financial situation.

UNRWA's staff, school buildings, and hospitals are subjected to daily attacks. Around 200 of the organization's staff in Gaza have been killed in the last nine months. Just in the last week, four schools have been destroyed by bombs, including two UNRWA schools. Dozens of people have been killed, with many of the victims being children. In East Jerusalem, UNRWA's offices have been attacked several times. In addition, UNRWA faces several administrative restrictions that make it increasingly difficult to operate in Palestine.

'UNRWA's and other UN organisations' ability to provide humanitarian assistance, health services and education to people affected by war and conflict is fundamental in our world order based on international law. I am shocked that several schools in Gaza have been bombed and that several civilians, among them many children, have reportedly been killed over the last week. Schools should be protected and not be used for military purposes. We must protect and support UNRWA. At the meeting in New York today, Norway issues a strong call to other donors to increase their support to UNRWA,' said the Minister of Development.