The Swedish Government has announced a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the surrounding region, allocating SEK 800 million for 2025. This funding is part of Sweden’s broader commitment to responding to urgent humanitarian needs and providing critical assistance to those affected by conflict, displacement, and instability.
The decision highlights Sweden’s ongoing dedication to alleviating suffering in crisis-affected regions through robust partnerships with international humanitarian organizations. In addition to the direct funding, Sweden will continue its support to Gaza through core funding to key international actors, including the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
“Sweden remains committed to supporting those in dire need and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations in the face of escalating crises. This increased funding will ensure that vital aid reaches those who need it most, while we continue to work through established humanitarian channels,” said the Swedish Government in a statement.
Strategic Shift in Humanitarian Support
As part of this new allocation, Sweden has also outlined a shift in its approach to the region. While continuing its core support to several key humanitarian organizations, the Government has decided to discontinue its core funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision is part of a broader strategic realignment of Sweden’s humanitarian assistance, with a focus on strengthening preparedness for both sudden-onset and long-term humanitarian crises, particularly in underfunded or deteriorating situations.
“We are adjusting our humanitarian response to be more flexible and responsive to the changing landscape of global crises,” the Government stated. “This includes ensuring that our resources are directed to the most effective and impactful interventions, while prioritizing organizations with a proven capacity to provide life-saving assistance in complex and dynamic environments.”
Fostering Resilience and Long-Term Impact
The SEK 800 million will primarily be directed towards addressing immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza, including food security, health care, education, and protection services for the most vulnerable populations, especially children and displaced families. Sweden’s continued funding will also support efforts to address psychosocial needs and trauma care, ensuring that affected communities are not only provided with basic necessities but also with the support needed to rebuild their lives in the long term.
Sweden has emphasized the importance of international cooperation in tackling humanitarian crises, highlighting the need for a coordinated, multilateral response to effectively address the complex challenges posed by conflicts and displacement in Gaza and the surrounding areas. By collaborating with established humanitarian actors, Sweden aims to maximize the impact of its contribution and help create more resilient communities in the region.
Preparedness for Future Crises
In addition to this targeted support for Gaza, the Swedish Government has set out its broader humanitarian priorities for 2025, with a focus on enhancing Sweden’s preparedness to respond rapidly to emerging or underfunded crises worldwide. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that Sweden is able to respond to urgent humanitarian needs as they arise, whether due to natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other unforeseen emergencies.
Sweden’s robust and flexible humanitarian strategy is built on its longstanding commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and supporting the most vulnerable populations in times of crisis. With this new allocation, Sweden reaffirms its role as a key global partner in humanitarian assistance, committed to addressing immediate needs while also fostering longer-term stability and resilience in conflict-affected regions.