Norway increases support to Palestinian children

 "The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is absolutely terrible and it is devastating to see how children are affected.  For almost four weeks, they have lived day and night with the sound of bombs. Many have fled their homes and lost parents, siblings and other close family members. Norway is now increasing its support to the UN Children's Fund (Unicef) in Gaza by NOK 25 million," said Minister of International Development, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.

The increased support to Unicef is part of the NOK 200 million Norway has allocated to humanitarian aid to Palestinians since 7 October. Norway is clear about the need for the humanitarian disaster to end.

“Norway calls for an immediate halt in the use of violence. The Norwegian government and our diplomats are in contact with all parties, also to get foreign citizens out and emergency aid into Gaza," said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Since the escalation began, Norway has provided support to UN organisations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Norwegian humanitarian organisations. This includes the NOK 60 million support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

Two-thirds of those killed in Gaza now are women and children. If access to humanitarian aid is not increased significantly and quickly, child mortality in the coming weeks could be dramatic. There is a lack of medical supplies, food, electricity and water. Children who survive are left with a mental trauma that will follow the population for generations.

“Extremely little aid has reached Gaza since the war began. Nevertheless, it is important to contribute so that organisations are better able to respond to the enormous needs when opportunities emerge.  Parties are bound to ensure that emergency aid reaches civilians continuously, even during hostilities, and to wherever they choose to go, and that aid workers are protected," says Tvinnereim.