FALCON POWERS – In light of the widespread humanitarian needs in Gaza, the Swedish government has announced a new humanitarian support package worth 120 million Swedish kronor. This support was distributed to United Nations humanitarian organizations, including: the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, stated that “the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and the needs are urgent, especially among women and children. Sweden, which has been one of the largest donors to the crisis in Gaza from the beginning, is now increasing its support with a particular focus on combating hunger and reducing the vulnerability of women and children. We also continue to push for increased humanitarian access and the immediate release of hostages.”
Since October 2023, Sweden has provided more than 520 million Swedish kronor in humanitarian aid to Gaza, making it one of the largest donors of core support to the humanitarian organizations working there.
The details of the new support include the allocation of 20 million kronor to UNICEF, 20 million kronor to the United Nations Population Fund, and 80 million kronor to the World Food Programme, of which 29 million is for Gaza and 51 million as core support.
The support provided to the United Nations Population Fund strengthens access to sexual and reproductive health services, with a focus on healthcare.
The support provided to the World Food Programme contributes to the delivery of food and nutrition to populations affected by hunger, especially in northern Gaza where the situation is approaching famine. The program also oversees the majority of United Nations logistics, enhancing the capacity to transport aid and reach those in need.
