The Scottish Government has provided £600,000 in humanitarian aid to support life-saving assistance for people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as part of its ongoing response to the crisis in Gaza.
The funding, announced by First Minister John Swinney in September, will be directed through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to help deliver essential health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support, and cash aid for families.
UNOCHA’s Humanitarian Fund plays a key role in coordinating international and national aid efforts, ensuring resources reach the communities most in need.
Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the support from Scotland comes at a critical time.
“Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship,” he said.
“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most.
“We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”
External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the funds will strengthen the humanitarian response in Gaza, where conditions remain dire.
“At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza,” he said.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter.”
Mr Robertson also confirmed that ten child patients from Gaza are now receiving specialist treatment in Scotland following a request from UNICEF.
“I am also pleased to report that following a request from UNICEF, ten child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland,” he said.
“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis, ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”
The Scottish Government has repeatedly called for a lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians amid the escalating humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
The latest funding brings Scotland’s total humanitarian support for the region to more than £1 million this year, underlining its commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian aid.
