NEW humanitarian funding for Palestine has been approved from the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission – taking the Island’s total donations to £1 million this year.
The money will go to the UN World Food Programme, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and to Medical Aid for Palestinians to support the ongoing response to the needs of civilians in Gaza.
International Development Minister Carolyn Labey said: “These latest allocations demonstrate Jersey’s determination to act swiftly and effectively in one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises.
“As the humanitarian community enters a pivotal phase and agencies regain access to cut-off communities, our timely support is helping deliver food, medicine and other life-saving assistance to those who need it most.”
Since October 2023, Jersey has allocated £2.3 million to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, supporting organisations including WFP, OCHA, MAP and International Health Partners.
The increased funding comes following the recent ceasefire and renewed international efforts towards securing peace in the region.
Last month, Deputy Labey received a briefing from the WFP about how the JOA’s funding had provided food to malnourished children under five, and to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Antoine Renard, WFP country director for Palestine, said: “Jersey’s support comes at a critical moment, as WFP scales up life-saving food assistance across Gaza. This timely contribution enables us to reach more families with not just food, but a sense of hope and dignity amid unimaginable hardship.”
