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International aid has been provided toPalestinians since at least the1948 Arab–Israeli War. The Palestinians view the aid as keeping theIsraeli–Palestinian peace process going, while Israelis and other foreign policy authorities have raised concerns that it is used to fundterrorism[1][2][3] and removes the imperative for Palestinians to negotiate a settlement of theIsraeli–Palestinian conflict. As a provision of theOslo Accords, international aid was to be provided to the Palestinians to ensure economic solvency for thePalestinian National Authority (PA).[4] In 2004, it was reported that the PA, within theWest Bank andGaza Strip, receives one of the highest levels of aid in the world.[5] In 2006, economic sanctions and other measures were taken by several countries against the PA, including suspension ofinternational aid followingHamas' victory at thePalestinian Legislative Council election. Aid to the PA resumed in 2008 following theAnnapolis Conference, where Hamas was not invited. Aid has been provided to the Palestinian Authority,Palestinian non-governmental organizations (PNGOs) as well as Palestinian political factions by various foreign governments, international organizations,international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and charities, besides other sources.
TheAd Hoc Liaison Committee coordinates the delivery of most aid to Palestinians. The entities that provide such aid are categorized into seven groups: theArab nations, theEuropean Union, theUnited States,Japan, international institutions (includingagencies of theUN system), European countries, and other nations.[6] The United States has been a major donor, providing more than $5.2 billion throughUSAID since 1994.[7]
The international community has sent billions of dollars in aid to the Gaza Strip to provide relief to the more than 2 million Palestinians living there.[8] From 2014 to 2020, U.N. agencies spent nearly $4.5 billion in Gaza, including $600 million in 2020 alone.[8] According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, aid to Palestinians totaled over $40 billion between 1994 and 2020.[9][10]
Unlike thePalestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the West Bank, Hamas is designated as a terrorist entity, so the United States and the EU do not provide any assistance to Hamas. Israel has allowedQatar to give hundreds of millions of dollars in aid through Hamas, and Hamas has collected revenue for years by taxing imports. Iran provides around $100 million annually to Hamas and other Palestinian groups.
Before the signing of theOslo Accords, international aid for the West Bank and Gaza came mainly fromWestern and Arab states, mostly through UN agencies such asUNRWA. Most programs were started or developed during the 1970s, and expanded during the 1980s. Most of the aid was channeled through PNGOs or INGOs.[11] Although the stance of the donors during the pre-Oslo period is regarded by some analysts, such as Rex Brynen, as controversial and linked with phenomena such as corruption, nationalism and factional rivalries,[12] International aid effectively financed a series of programs in the sectors of agriculture, infrastructure, housing and education.[13]
TheOslo Accords, officially signed[14] on September 13, 1993, contained substantial provisions on economic matters and international aid: Annex IV of the Declaration of Principles (DoP) discusses regional cooperation and implicitly calls for major international aid efforts to help the Palestinians, Jordan, Israel and the entire region.[15]
On October 1, 1993, the international donor community (nations and institutions[16]) met in Washington to mobilize support for the peace process, and pledged to provide approximately $2.4 billion to the Palestinians over the course of the next five years.[17] The international community's action was based on the premise that it was imperative to garner all financial resources needed to make the agreement successful, and with a full understanding that in order for the Accords to stand in the face of daily challenges on the ground, ordinary Palestinians needed to perceive positive change in their lives.[18] Therefore, the donors had two major goals: to fuel Palestinian economic growth and to build publicsupport for negotiations with Israel.[19] According to Scott Lasensky, "throughout the follow-up talks to the DoP that produced the Gaza-Jericho Agreement (May 1994), the Early Empowerment Agreement (August 1994), theInterim Agreement (September 1995), and theHebron Accord (January 1997), [...] economic aid hovered over the process and remained the single most critical external component buttressing the PNA."[20]
Between 1993 and 1997 the PNA faced serious economic and financial problems.[21] International aid prevented the collapse of the local economy, and contributed to the establishment of the Palestinian administration.[22] Donors' pledges continued to increase regularly (their value had risen to approximately $3,420 million as of the end of October 1997) as a result of the faltering peace process, along with the increase in needs and the consequent increase in the assistance necessary for Palestinians to survive.[23] Reality led, however, to a revision of the donors' priorities:[24] Out of concern that the deteriorating economic conditions could result in a derailment of the peace process, donor support was redirected to finance continued budgetary shortfalls, housing programs and emergency employment creation.[25] According to a more critical approach, international aid in the mid-1990s supported PNA's bureaucracy[26] and belatedly promoted the centralization of political power, but in a way that did not enhance government capacity and harmed the PNGOs.[27] In 1994–1995 problems of underfunding, inefficiency and poor aid coordination marked donors' activity, and led to tensions among the different aid bodies, and between the international community and the PNA.[28] In 1996, the link between development assistance and the success of the peace process was made explicit by the President of theWorld Bank,James Wolfensohn, who stated: "The sense of urgency is clear. Peace will only be assured in that area if you can get jobs for those people."[29]
After 1997, there was a reduction in the use of closure policy by Israel, which led to an employment growth and an expansion of the West Bank and Gaza economy.[30] After the signing of theWye River Memorandum, a new donors' conference was convened, and over $2 billion was pledged to the PNA for 1999–2003.[31] Nevertheless, overall donor disbursements fell in 1998–2000, and the 1998 disbursements=to-commitments ratio was the lowest since 1994.[32] As for international institutions, they began to play a bigger role in the international funding process, in spite of the decline in the absolute value of these institutions' total commitments.[33] After 1997, the need for donor support for the current budget and employment generation programs receded due to the PA's improved fiscal performance, and attention was focused instead on infrastructures to the detriment of institution building.[32] Donors' activity was also characterized by a decline in support for PNGOs, and by a preference to concessionary loans (instead of grants) with generous grace periods, long repayment periods and low interest rates[34]
Thesecond Intifada led to one of the deepest recessions the Palestinian economyexperienced in modern history.[35] In those two years, Palestinian realGDP per capita shrunk by almost 40 percent.[36] The precipitator of this economic crisis was again a multi-faceted system of restrictions on the movement of goods and people designed to protectIsraelis in Israel itself and in the settlements.[35]
One of the many frustrations of the crisis was the erosion of the development effort financed by the international community, since the overwhelming emphasis in donor work was now directed towards mitigating the impact of the economic and social crisis. A collapse of the PNA was averted by emergency budget support from donor countries. Despite a significant increase in donor commitments in 2002 compared with 2001, commitments to infrastructure and capacity-building work with a medium-term focus continued to decline. In 2000, the ratio was approximately 7:1 infavor of development assistance. By 2002, the ratio had shifted to almost 5:1 in favor ofemergency assistance.[37]
Yasser Arafat's death in 2004 andIsrael's unilateral disengagement from Gaza created new hopes to the donor community. In March 2005, theQuartet on the Middle East underscored the importance of development assistance, and urged the international donors community to support Palestinian institution building,[38] without however ignoring budgetary support.[39] The Quartet also urged Israel and the PNA to fulfill their commitments arising from theRoad map for peace, and the international community "to review and energize current donor coordination structures [...] in order to increase their effectiveness."[38] The international community's attempt in late 2005 to promote Palestinian economic recovery reflected a long-standing assumption that economic development is crucial to the peace process and to prevent backsliding into conflict.[40] Although a mild positive growth returned in 2003 and 2005, this fragile recovery stalled as a result of the segmentation of the Gaza Strip, the stiff restrictions on movements of goods and people across the borders with Israel and Egypt, and the completion of theIsraeli West Bank barrier.[41] As theWorld Bank stressed in December 2005, "growth will not persist without good Palestinian governance, sound economic management and a continued relaxation of closure by GOI."[42]
On 25 January 2006, the Islamist organization,Hamas, which is considered by the main donor countries to be a terrorist organization, won thePalestinian legislative elections and formedgovernment on 29 March 2006, without accepting the terms and conditions set by the Quartet.[43] This resulted in the imposition ofeconomic sanctions against the PA, including near cessation of direct relations and aid between most bilateral donors and the PA, with only some multilateral agencies and a few donors continuing direct contact and project administration.[44] The Quartet's decision was criticised by the Quartet's former envoy, James Wolfensohn, who characterized it "a misguided attempt to starve the Hamas-led Palestinians into submission," and of UN's Middle East former envoy, Alvaro de Soto.[45]
Because of the worsening humanitarian crisis, theEU proposed a plan to channel aid directly to the Palestinians, bypassing the Hamas-led government. The Quartet approved the EU proposal, despite an initial US objection, and the EU set up a "temporary international mechanism" (TIM) to channel funds through the Palestinian President for an initial period of three months, which was later extended.[46]Oxfam was one of the main critics of the EU TIM program arguing that "limited direct payments from the European Commission have failed to address this growing crisis."[47]
The emergence of two rival governments in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in June 2007 presented the international community with the prospect of shouldering a huge aid burden.[48] The World Bank estimated that in 2008 the PNA would need $1.2 billion in recurrent budget support, in addition to $300 million in development aid.[49] The formation of theemergency government in mid-2007 in the West Bank led bySalam Fayyad, led to the resumption of aid to the West Bank PA government which partly reversed the impact of the aid boycott.[50] Nevertheless, economic indicators have not changed considerably. For instance, because of the situation in Gaza, real GDP growth was estimated to be about -0.5% in 2007, and 0.8% in 2008.[51]
According to theDevelopment Assistance Committee, the main multilateral donors for the 2006–2007 period were UNRWA and the EU (through theEuropean Commission), while the main bilateral donors were the US, Japan,Canada and five European countries (Norway,Germany,Sweden,Spain andFrance).[52]
| Paris pledging conference, 2007[53] | |
|---|---|
| Type of assistance | US$ billion |
| Budget support | 1.5 |
| Humanitarian assistance | 1.1 |
| Project-based aid | 2.1 |
| Other aid | 0.8 |
| Amounts being allocated | 2.2 |
| Total 2008–2010 | 7.7 |
In December 2007, during the Paris Conference, which followed theAnnapolis Conference, donor countries pledged over $7.7 billion for 2008–2010 in support of the Palestinian Reform and Development Program (PRDP).[53] Hamas, which was not invited to Paris, called the conference a "declaration of war" on it.[54] In the beginning of 2008, the EU moved from the TIM mechanism to PEGASE, which provided channels for direct support to the PA's Central Treasury Account in addition to the types of channels used for TIM. The World Bank also launched a trust fund that would provide support in the context of the PA's 2008–2010 reform policy agenda.[55] However, neither mechanism contained sufficient resources to cover the PA's entire monthly needs, thus not allowing the PA to plan expenditures beyond a two-month horizon.[56]
The World Bank assesses that the PA had made significant progress on implementing the reform agenda laid out in the PRDP, and re-establishing law and order. Gaza, however, remained outside the reforms as Hamas controls security and the most important ministry positions there. Palestinian inter-factional tension continued in the West Bank and Gaza, with arrests of people and closures of NGOs by each side, resulting in a deterioration in the ability of civil society organizations to continue to cater to vulnerable groups.[57][58]
Following the2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict, an international conference took place inSharm El Sheikh, Egypt where donor countries and international bodies pledged almost US$4.5 billion forhumanitarian and reconstruction aid for theGaza Strip. These funds bypassed Hamas, with the PA in collaboration with the donor community taking the lead in delivering and distributing the funds.[59] Damage from the Israeli offensive was estimated to be almost $2 billion.[60] According to estimates made by the World Bank, the PA received $1.8 billion of international aid in 2008 and $1.4 billion in 2009.[61]
Donors pledged US$4.481 billion at the Sharm el-Sheikh conference to help the Palestinian economy and rebuild the Gaza Strip.[62] The biggest donor wasSaudi Arabia with $1 billion, followed by theUnited States with $900 million, a third for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and the rest to assist the Palestinian Authority of President Mahmoud Abbas.[63] The conference was criticized byIran.[64] However, actual transfers of aid had been beset by difficulties.
Militant Islamist organizationHamas, which is the de facto governing body of the Gaza Strip, is boycotted by western countries as a terrorist organization. In an international conference on reconstructing Gaza, donors insisted that the aid money for the Gaza Strip must bypass Hamas.[65] An administration official from the United States, which pledged $900 million in aid, said that none of the country's aid would go to Hamas, being funneled instead throughUnited Nations groups andnon-governmental organizations.[66] However, congresspersons expressed concern that some money would fall into the hands of Hamas. "To route $900 million to this area, and let's say Hamas was only able to steal 10 percent of that, we would still become Hamas' second-largest funder after Iran," said RepresentativeMark Kirk (R-Ill.).[67]Danish Foreign MinisterPer Stig Møller stressed that aid from Denmark would not end up in the hands of Hamas.[68] Israeli Prime MinisterEhud Olmert said that "Israel supports foreign aid to the Strip, but it is important to build mechanisms and oversight methods to ensure that the aid reaches Gazan civilians and will not be used to strengthen Hamas."[69]Palestinian National Authority PresidentMahmoud Abbas, of the rivalFatah party, advised international donors to send Gaza reconstruction money directly to property owners, offering a plan that would effectively bypass the territory's Hamas rulers.[70]
On 3 February, 3,500 blankets and over 400 food parcels were confiscated by Hamas police personnel from anUNRWA distribution center. On the following day, the UNEmergency Relief Coordinator demanded that the aid be returned immediately.[71] In a separate incident on 5 February, Hamas seized 200 tons of food from UNRWA aid supplies. The following day, UNRWA suspended its activities in Gaza. Hamas issued a statement stating that the incident was a misunderstanding between the drivers of the trucks and had been resolved through direct contact with the UNRWA.[72] On 9 February, UNRWA lifted the suspension on the movement of its humanitarian supplies into Gaza, after the Hamas authorities returned all of the aid supplies confiscated.[73]
Some local Gaza NGOs providing emergency aid stated that Hamas had ordered them to stop operating because it suspected they were affiliated with rival groupFatah.[74]
The Gaza Strip is bordered byIsrael andEgypt, and much of the humanitarian aid reaches the strip through Israel. According to the Associated Press, "Israel allows in several dozen truckloads of aid every day, but bars the entry of concrete, pipes and other materials that it fears Hamas could seize."[75] Israel says that cement and steel could be used by militants to build rockets andattack tunnels.[76] UN Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-moon said that opening border crossings was an "indispensable goal," adding that it was "essential to ensure that illegal weapons do not enter Gaza."[76] U.S. Secretary of StateHillary Clinton expressed anger at Israeli delays in relaying Gaza aid.[77]
On several occasions during the conflict, Egypt prevented theMuslim Brotherhood from delivering aid to Gaza. On 12 February, Egyptian police seized 2,200 tons of food and medical aid destined for the Gaza Strip and being stored by the group, arresting two of its members. A security official said that the two were accused of illegally storing goods. TheMuslim Brotherhood is banned in Egypt.[78]
In June 2009 hundreds of Israeli protestors temporarily blocked goods and humanitarian aid from reaching the Gaza Strip. The protesters, waving signs and carrying posters of 22-year-old kidnapped Israeli soldierGilad Shalit, cut off the approach to three major crossings into the Gaza Strip while dozens of trucks, loaded with aid, waited outside. Israel tightened itsblockade of the Gaza Strip stating that it will not remove the blockade until Shalit is freed.[79]
| Donor | Donation worth (in US$ or €) (US$ millions) | Notes and other assistance |
|---|---|---|
 European Union | 4.200 | Emergency humanitarian aid.[80] |
 OIC | [a] | The OIC aid convoy includes 300 tons of medicine, medical equipment, and food supplies.[81] |
 Algeria | 200.000 | PresidentAbdelaziz Bouteflika, announced at the economy and development summit of Arab heads of state, held in Kuwait, that Algeria will contribute up to $200 million for the reconstruction of Gaza.[82] Government announced that Algeria will send medical aid. A team of doctors and surgeons would accompany the aid package, which includes medical supplies.[83] Humanitarian aid consisted of 37 tons of food and medicine and was dispatched on January 18.[84] |
 Argentina | Foreign MinisterJorge Taiana designated the White Helmets Commission to coordinate with the Ministries of Health and Social Action, sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip which consists of food aid, medicines, tents and water treatment tablets.[85] Argentina sent the first aid shipment on January 16, consisting of 4 tons of humanitarian aid.[86] | |
 Australia | 3.500 | Acting Prime MinisterJulia Gillard said that "as part of its commitment to help support people caught up in the conflict, the Australian government will make an immediate commitment of A$5 million in additional assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip and stands ready to consider further assistance in the future".[87] |
 Bahrain | 1.000 | A$1 million (BD378,000) aid consignment left Bahrain on board two planes. The initiative was supervised by the Royal Charity Organisation.[88] |
 Bolivia | Bolivia sent food in coordination with Venezuela.[89] | |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina | Specialised medical teams and medical requirements to Gaza Strip.[90] | |
 Brazil | The Brazilian government sent 14 tons of medicines and food.[91] | |
 Bulgaria | Deputy Prime MinisterIvaylo Kalfin announced that Bulgaria would dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza despite difficulties.[92] | |
 Canada | 3.380 | Canada will give 4 million Canadian dollars to the United Nations and Red Cross to be used for humanitarian assistance in the Palestinian Territories. Foreign Affairs MinisterLawrence Cannon said that $3 million will be given to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the remaining $1 million will go to the Red Cross.[93] |
 Chile | Chile sent 3.5 tons of medical materials as its first consignment.[94] Second consignment consisted of 24 tons aid, mainly milk, blankets, diapers and medicines, shipped on aChilean Air Force'sBoeing 757-300 ER toAmman.[95] | |
 China | 1.000 | Emergency humanitarian aid for the Palestinian National Authority to buy urgently needed material.[96] |
 Denmark | 3.650 | The Development Ministry has contributed 20 million kroner to victims of the crisis.[97] |
 Egypt | The Egyptian Ministry of Health sent 30 buses to North Sinai to help transport injured Palestinians.[98] Egypt has ordered dozens of ambulances to the Rafah crossing to help evacuate wounded Gazans for treatment in Egypt.[99] | |
 Estonia | 0.100 | Aid to be delivered via theUnited Nations.[100] |
 Finland | 0.675 | Finland's support was conveyed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) through the Finnish Red Cross.[101] |
 France | 4.000 | France decided emergency aid of three million euros "in response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the Israeli army is conducting a major operation against the Islamic movement Hamas". One million is intended for the UN office for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), one million for the World Food Program (WFP) and one million for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), said spokesman for theMinister of Foreign Affairs, Eric Chevallier.[102] |
 Germany | 15.300 | Aid for humanitarian efforts in Gaza.[103] |
 Greece | Two GreekC-130 military airplanes took off on Thursday with a cargo of 280 tons of humanitarian aid. It is one of the largest Greek despatches of blood and blood by-products ever organised, as well as IV drips, antibiotics and other medicinal supplies. Foreign ministry secretary general Theodoros Skylakakis said that aid is one of the first missions that will arrive in Gaza.[103] Second shipment was composed mainly of food and medicines collected by the Church of Greece and other agencies, and was dispatched under the responsibility of the Foreign Ministry's Hellenic Aid.[104] Third shipment departed for Gaza from the port of Piraeus on January 19, in the presence of Foreign MinisterDora Bakoyannis andArchbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos of theChurch of Greece. Foreign Minister announced more aid "with much greater fervour, because the humanitarian corridors are open now and, therefore, aid can arrive quickly. No matter how much we send, of course, more is always needed. Therefore, all the agencies coordinated in Greece and the government, of course, and the Church of Greece will combine our strength to enable us to have the best possible results."[105] | |
 India | 1.000 | Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Vishnu Prakash today said, "In response to the 'Flash Appeal' made by the United Nations Refugee Welfare Agency (UNRWA), the Indian Government has decided to extend an assistance of US$1 million for use by the agency to provide shelters, cash assistance, essential household items, etc., to affected families in Gaza.".[106] |
 Indonesia | 1.000 | In addition to the aid, the government has pledged two tonnes of medical supplies.[107] Islamic organisations in Indonesia have dispatched humanitarian aid to Gaza, worth US$200,000.[108] |
 Iran | 2.500 | The government has dispatched planeload of aid, including medicine to Gaza and several ships which also where carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. They have also requested Egypt to open up its borders so that they (Iran) could send more aid, including oil and basic human needs such as clothes and other mechanical needs.[96] |
 Ireland | 0.680 | €500,000 in humanitarian aid to Gaza.[109] |
 Israel | 1.000 | Injured Palestinian civilians have been taken to Israel medical facilities for care,[96] includingAshkelon'sBarzilai Hospital—which was under Hamas rocket fire during the war—and Schneider Children's Hospital.[110][111]Magen David Adom, the Israeli version of theRed Cross, has been working extensively on the Israeli-Gaza border to treat the injured, with 600 ambulances available around the clock.[112][113][114][115] Physicians for Human Rights-Israel donated about $1 million for medical equipment and medicine to Gaza residents.[116] |
 Italy | 4.130 | Total worth of emergency aid, made to several UN agencies either in form of donation or aid is about 3,200,000 EUR. Italy was the first European country to contribute aid.[117] |
 Japan | 10.000 | Pledged in humanitarian aid.[118] |
 Jordan | Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation dispatched the 15-truck convoy loaded with three kidney dialysis units and a ventilator, while two vehicles carried bread and a third was loaded with bottled drinking water.[119] | |
 Kuwait | 534.000 | Two military planes with humanitarian aid. First plane carried 10 tons of relief aid with food and medical supplies on board. Second plane will be dispatched with two ambulances and food and medical supplies on board. Aid came upon instructions ofEmirSabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.[120] Emir also announced that Kuwait would donate USD 34 million to honor UN Relief and Works Agency's (UNRWA) immediate needs in Palestinian territories.[121] Emir announced additional USD 500 million donation to UNRWA.[122] |
 Lebanon | 1.000 | Pledged aid.[96] |
 Libya | Has sent a plane carrying aid to al-Arish for Gaza.[123] | |
 Luxembourg | 0.685 | This emergency program aims to provide basic food rations, provide temporary shelter to 5,000 people displaced by the conflict, provide financial support to Palestinian families affected to help cover the medical care required, provide 500,000 liters of fuel to municipalities and other agencies providing public services to the population in the Gaza Strip.[124] |
 Malaysia | 1.000 | To be donated viaMercy Malaysia.[125] |
 Morocco | Two planes were sent with 63 tonnes: 15 tonnes of medicine, 20 tonnes of flour, eight tonnes of sugar, eight tonnes of cooking oil, six tonnes of milk, 4.5 tonnes of cheese and 1.5 tonnes of tea. Three thousands blankets for Gaza have also been carried on the air lift. Morocco said it was ready to care for 200 injured Palestinians.[126] | |
 Netherlands | 4.000 | Development Cooperation MinisterBert Koenders has pledged three million euros in aid for the Gaza Strip. Two million euros will go to UNRWA, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinians. The remaining one million euros will be given to the Red Crescent.[127] |
 New Zealand | 0.546 | The Foreign Affairs Ministry, noted that New Zealand makes an annual contribution to theUnited Nations Emergency Response Fund, which it considers to be adequate and that for now there will be no additional aid to the Middle East.[128] However, on January 19 Foreign MinisterMurray McCully said that "there is a pressing need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, and the ceasefire provides a window for aid agencies to provide that help" and that New Zealand will donate 1 mln NZ dollars to the Red Cross to provide urgently needed medical supplies and safe drinking water to the civilian population of Gaza, and to care for those affected by the conflict.[129] |
 Norway | 4.320 | As one of the first Western states to recognise the Hamas-led government in 2007, Norway has given the donation in "immediate aid" to Gaza.[96] |
 Oman | The supplies provided include medications, power generators, and medical equipment.[130] | |
 Poland | 0.350 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the appeal issued by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), sent EUR 250,000 immediately to help those who have been most harmed in the Palestinian Authority.[131] |
 Portugal | 0.400 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the appeal issued by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), sent EUR 400,000 immediately to help Gazans.[132] |
 Qatar | 1.140 | NGO Reach Out To Asia (Rota) pledged $1m in humanitarian aid to Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.[133] Qatar Charity, a non-governmental organisation has delivered medical supplies worth $140,000 to the Palestinian Ministry of Health Hospitals.[134] |
 Russia | 60 tons of tents, medicines and food.[135] PresidentDmitry Medvedev ordered for additional help to be sent.[136] | |
 Saudi Arabia | 1,000.000 | KingAbdullah bin Abdulaziz announced the donation for the reconstruction of Gaza at an Arab League economic summit in Kuwait.[137] Saudi Arabia also launched "the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques Campaign to Provide Humanitarian Relief to the Palestinian People in Gaza." This effort is a nationwide endeavor which is coordinated by a number of entities, including representative of the provincial governments.[138] Through this effort 6.5 mln dollars were collected. The $6 million is sent to UNRWA to provide food for the people of Gaza and $500,000 to buy fuel which UNRWA provides to local authorities and utilities in Gaza to pump water and incinerate refuse, both essential operations in prevent outbreaks of disease.[139] |
 South Africa | 84 tons of supplies including: medical equipment, medicines, other medical supplies, high energy and protein supplements, plaster of paris, bottled water, cooking oil, milk powder, glucose biscuits, generators, blankets and disposable nappies also transported a team of 25 South African doctors and journalists to Gaza. Also included in the consignment of humanitarian aid is an ambulance carrying all vital equipment for medical procedures.[140] | |
 South Korea | 0.300 | Humanitarian aid.[141] |
 Spain | 6,.500 | The government of Spain has contributed EUR 5 million to UNRWA in response to the Agency's Flash Appeal for Gaza. This contribution is "unearmarked", appreciating the importance of flexibility for the implementation of UNRWA's response to early recovery needs.[142] Spain also sent 104 tons of humanitarian aid in three shipments.[143] |
 Sweden | 2.200 | Given to a UN-administered fund for Gaza in two payments. The Swedish International Development Agency said the funds were being used for hospitals, medicines and food.[144] |
 Switzerland | 2.700 | Switzerland has provided humanitarian aid to the civilian population of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank incl. East Jerusalem totalling CHF 12 million in 2008. On 9.1.2009 it was decided to give an extra 3 million.[145] |
 Syria | Syria sent 600 tons of food, medical supplies, blankets, winter clothes and other basic human needs in three aid convoys.[146] | |
 Thailand | 0.028 | Thailand will provide an immediate financial contribution of US$28,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the emergency needs of the people affected by the conflict in Gaza.[147] |
 Tunisia | PresidentZine El Abidine Ben Ali decided to dispatch aid, as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Aid consisted of 16 tons of medicine, foodstuff, blankets and tents.[148] | |
 Turkey | 63.000 | 63 million dollar donated,[149] 11,000 boxes of food and 100 trucks of medicine, food and humanitarian aid supplied, 5 ambulances donated.[150] |
 United Arab Emirates | 91.300 | UAE raised $85.8M in the first days of a campaign to collect aid for the Palestinian victims.[151] United Arab Emirates also donated $5,5 million to Red Cross/Red Crescent.[152] |
 United Kingdom | 40.000 | The donation is to be made in the form of food, fuel and medicine supplies to Gaza.[153] |
 United States | 20.300 | PresidentGeorge W. Bush said "We care about the people of Gaza, and, therefore, have provided millions of dollars of fresh aid to the United Nations to help".[154] PresidentBarack Obama authorised the use of $20.3 million in emergency funding for immediate humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in the Gaza Strip.[155] |
 Venezuela | Venezuelan sent an airplane with the first 80 tons of medicine, foods and water, accompanied by the task force Simon Bolivar and 30 Venezuelan doctors.[156] Venezuela sent a second batch of humanitarian aid—the 84 tons of aid that includes 50 tons of food, 19 tons of medicines and medical materials, 10 tons of water and five tons of commodities.[157] | |
 Vietnam | 0.200 | The Vietnamese Government granted US$200,000 in emergent humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. The funds are channeled via the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Middle East.[158] |
 Yemen | Yemen has prepared 42 tons of aid for the people of Gaza. Yemen has also declared its readiness to receive 500 injured Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and treat them in Yemeni hospitals.[159] |
In 2010, the lion's share of the aid came from the European Union and the United States. According to estimates made by the World Bank, the PA received $525 million of international aid in the first half of 2010.[61] Foreign aid is the "main driver" of economic growth in the Palestinian territories.[61] According to theInternational Monetary Fund, the unemployment rate has fallen as the economy of Gaza grew by 16% in the first half of 2010, almost twice as fast as the economy of theWest Bank.[160]
In July 2010,Germany outlawed a major Turkish-German donor group, the Internationale Humanitaere Hilfsorganisation (IHH) (unaffiliated to the Turkish İnsani Yardım Vakfı (İHH))[161] that sent theMavi Mamara aid vessel, saying it had used donations to support projects in Gaza that are related to Hamas, which is considered by the European Union to be a terrorist organization,[162][163] while presenting their activities to donors as humanitarian help. German Interior MinisterThomas de Maiziere said, "Donations to so-called social welfare groups belonging to Hamas, such as the millions given by IHH, actually support the terror organization Hamas as a whole."[162][163]
In March 2011, there were threats to cut off aid to the PA if it continued to move forward on a unity government with Hamas, unless Hamas formally renounced violence, recognized Israel, and accepted previous Israel-Palestinian agreements.[164]Azzam Ahmed, spokesman for PA President Abbas, responded by stating that the PA was willing to give up financial aid in order to achieve unity, "Palestinians need American money, but if they use it as a way of pressuring us, we are ready to relinquish that aid."[165]
In October 2014, the Cairo Conference on Palestine, an international donor conference on reconstructing the Gaza Strip, garnered $5.4 billion in pledges, of which $1 billion was pledged by Qatar. Half of the pledges were to be used for rebuilding efforts in Gaza, while the remainder was to support the PA budget until 2017.[166]
On 23 March 2018, U.S. PresidentDonald Trump signed theTaylor Force Act into law, which will cut about a third of US foreign aid payments to the PA,[167] until the PA ceases makingpayment of stipends to terrorists and their surviving families.[168][169]
In July 2018, Australia stopped the A$10M (US$7.5M) in funding that had been sent to the PA via the World Bank, and instead is sending it to the UN Humanitarian Fund for the Palestinian Territories. The reason given was that they did not want the PA to use the funds to assist Palestinians convicted of politically motivated violence.[170][171]
On 24 August, the United States cut more than $200 million in direct aid to the PA.[172] The administration had previously cut aid to several UN bodies devoted to the Palestinian cause, including cutting $300 million off the contribution toUnited Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA),[173] and theUN Human Rights Council.[172]
In February 2019, the US stopped allUSAID to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. The US stopped providing more than $60m in annual funds for the Palestinian security services at the request of the PA because of a fear of lawsuits following the enactment of theAnti-Terrorism Clarification Act of 2018 (ATCA), which came into force in February 2019, and allows Americans to sue in US courts those receiving US foreign aid over alleged complicity in "acts of war".[174] The stopping of funding for security services has raised some concerns.[175]
In November 2019, the Netherlands cut the US$1.5 million per annum it paid directly to the Palestinian Authority over payments it makes to families of militants killed, hurt, or imprisoned by Israel (described by Israel as salaries to terrorists).[176][177]
In 2007, Israel, theQuartet on the Middle East (comprising theUnited Nations, theUnited States, theEuropean Union, andRussia) and other countries ceased providing aid to thePA Hamas-led government that refused to accept the conditions set by them, and imposedsanctions against the PA. AfterHamas took control of the Gaza Strip and anon-Hamas government installed in the West Bank, the sanctions against the PA administered West Bank were withdrawn and donations resumed.Israel andEgypt imposed a land, air, and seablockade of theGaza Strip, which is ongoing. The PA administration imposed its own sanctions against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Since 2014, with Israel's approval despite the blockade, Qatar has provided aid to the Gaza Strip that has partially relieved some of the economic pressure on the Gaza Strip. Between 2014 and 2019, Qatar has provided over $1 billion in reconstruction funds and stipends for poor Palestinians.[178]
Since 1993 the European Commission and the EU member-states combined have been by far the largest aid contributor to the Palestinians.[179]
Arab League states have also been substantial donors, notably through budgetary support of the PNA during the Second Intifada. However, they have been criticized for not sufficiently financing the UNRWA and the PNA, and for balking at their pledges.[180] After the 2006 Palestinian elections, the Arab countries tried to contribute to the payment of wages for Palestinian public servants, bypassing the PNA. At the same time, Arab funds were paid directly to Abbas' office for disbursement.[181]
During the Paris Conference, 11% of the pledges came from the US and Canada, 53% from Europe and 20% from Arab countries.[53]
The US is also a major contributor, providing more than $5.2 billion through USAID since 1994.[7] In recent years, this aid has totaled around $600 million annually.[7] Since April 2021, the United States has provided over half a billion dollars in assistance for the Palestinians, including more than $417 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians through UNRWA, $75 million in support through USAID, and $20.5 million in COVID and Gaza recovery assistance.[182]
TheAd Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) was established in November 1993 to coordinate donor donations and in an effort to balance competing United States and European positions, to facilitate agenda-setting, reduce duplication, and foster synergies.[183] The AHLC operates on the basis of consensus, and aims at promoting dialogue between the partners of the "triangular partnership", namely the donors, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.[184]
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was set up in 1949 to provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians displaced by the1948 Arab–Israeli War. Originally, it was intended to provide jobs on public works projects and direct relief. Today, UNRWA provides education (which accounts for 60% of its budget),[185] health care, andsocial services to more than 5 million registeredPalestinian refugees and their descendants, and other segments of Palestinian society, as well as providing some financial aid to Palestinians. UNRWA has also been a donor to the PA.[52] UNRWA employs over 30,000 staff, 99% of whom are locally recruited Palestinians.[186] Most of UNRWA's funding comes from European countries and the United States. Between 2000 and 2015 the European Union contributed €1.6 billion to UNRWA.[187] In addition to its regular budget, UNRWA receives funding for emergency activities and special projects.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides financial support to the Palestinian people for various development and humanitarian projects. Since 1994, the United States has provided more than $5.2 billion in aid to Palestinians through USAID.[7] There have been some reports suggesting that USAID had not properly accounted for the risks of providing aid to West Bank and Gaza, including the risk of giving money to local groups that have terrorist ties, when other aid organizations and countries chose not to use those risky groups as local partners in their foreign aid projects. The USAID official told the inspector general that "such restrictions reduce the number of potential partners available to the mission."[205] Some examples of USAID projects in Palestine include:
In June 2016, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor released a report, titledSquandered Aid: Israel's repetitive destruction of EU-funded projects in Palestine, discussingIsrael's repeated destruction ofEU-funded projects in thePalestinian territories. The report claimed that, since 2001, Israel had destroyed around 150 development projects, which incurs the EU a financial loss of approximately €58 million. The report estimated the total value of EU squandered aid money, including development and humanitarian projects, amounted to €65 million, of which at least €23 million was lost during the2014 Israel–Gaza conflict alone. The Monitor called for an investigation on all destroyed structures built with funding from theUN, EU or member states on Palestinian land. In addition, the Monitor recommended continued investing in Palestinian development, but substantively penalize the Israeli government when UN- or European-funded projects are targeted.[209]
In 2023, concerns over Hamas redirected aid for military activities were expressed after a 2021 Hamas propaganda video showed Hamas members digging up and dismantling pipelines to produce rockets such as theQassam rocket which is commonly assembled from industrial piping. As of 2021 the EU provided €9 million for the purchase of bulk pipes in Gaza City and Jabalia and in 2023 £26 million has been spent by Brussels for expanding pipelines networks in Palestine. UK which had provided significant aid for building pipelines in Palestine has denied that its funds could be abused by Hamas.[210]
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been termed a "crisis" and a "catastrophe".[211][212] As a result ofIsrael's siege, Gaza faces shortages of fuel, food, medication, water, and medical supplies.[211]UN Humanitarian Aid chiefMartin Griffiths said, "the noose around the civilian population in Gaza is tightening."[213] On 13 October,UNRWA commissionerPhilippe Lazzarini said, "The scale and speed of the unfolding humanitarian crisis is bone-chilling."[214]
On 16 October, doctors warned of an impending disease outbreak due to hospital overcrowding and unburied bodies.[212] The same day, theWorld Health Organization stated there were only "24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left" before "a real catastrophe".[215] On 18 October, the United States vetoed a UN resolution urging humanitarian aid to Gaza.[216] The World Health Organization stated the situation in Gaza was "spiralling out of control."[217]
Unlike the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in the West Bank, Hamas is designated as a terrorist entity, so the United States and the European Union (EU) do not provide any financial assistance to Hamas. Historically, Palestinian expatriates and private donors provided much of Hamas' funding. Some Western Islamic charities have channeled money to Hamas-related social service groups, causing the U.S. Treasury to freeze these assets. Israel has allowedQatar to give hundreds of millions of dollars in aid through Hamas.
Hamas has collected revenue for years by taxing goods that moved through itstunnels and through the Salah al-Din border crossing. Hamas has reportedly accumulated over $12 million per month from taxes on goods imported from Egypt into Gaza as of 2021. Iran provides some $100 million annually to Hamas and other Palestinian groups.[218]
On 3 February, over 3,500 blankets and 406 food parcels were confiscated by Hamas police personnel from an UNRWA distribution centre in Beach Camp.
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