Government allocates SEK 800 million in humanitarian support to Gaza and region for 2026

On 18 December, the Government decided to allocate SEK 800 million to the humanitarian response in Gaza and the region for 2026, in light of the continuing enormous humanitarian needs. The support will be financed within the development assistance budget and funds will be distributed according to future decisions by the Government. 

“Two years of devastating war in Gaza have caused unimaginable human suffering. The people of Gaza continue to be in need of humanitarian support and now is not the time to step back. The Government is therefore making renewed efforts to save lives and uphold human dignity,” said Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains urgent. We are continuing with our engagement in the region – which has doubled over the last year – to assist children and civilians who need help the most. Sweden’s humanitarian assistance is vital and remains steadfast,” said Gudrun Brunegård, development assistance policy spokesperson for the Christian Democrats.

“The humanitarian needs remain great and Sweden is doing what it can to reduce the suffering of Palestinian civilians, especially of children,” said Joar Forssell, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party.

By the latest calculations, Sweden was the largest donor in the EU of humanitarian support to Gaza in 2025. Sweden’s support has helped to ensure access to necessities such as food, water, medicine and hygiene products. The support from Sweden has also helped partner organisations’ work with emergency medical care, protection measures, sexual and reproductive health and rights services, psychosocial support and reuniting families.