“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is indescribable. Famine has been declared in parts of Gaza and acute malnutrition among children is increasing. It is a matter of life and death for the vulnerable civilian population and the hundreds of thousands of children who have been hit hardest by the war. Sweden’s support will help save lives and alleviate the suffering of the severely afflicted civilian population. At the same time, we will continue to demand unhindered humanitarian access so that help can get through,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

“Every human being has inviolable dignity. It goes without saying that we should help the civilian population affected by the war in Gaza. With this funding we will ensure that food and health care reach those suffering in Gaza,” says Gudrun Brunegård, development assistance policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats.

The Government decided in December 2024 to significantly strengthen preparedness to support the humanitarian response by allocating SEK 800 million to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the region. SEK 300 million of that has already been disbursed. The Government is now spending an extra SEK 420 million on the response in Gaza in the light of the grave humanitarian developments.

Of these funds, SEK 160 million will go to UNICEF, SEK 160 million to the UN World Food Programme, SEK 80 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and SEK 20 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The support from Sweden will help the organisations’ efforts in emergency medical care, sexual and reproductive health and rights services, psychosocial support and reuniting families. The aid will also help to cover basic necessities such as food, water, medicines and hygiene products.