The humanitarian crisis in Palestine stands as one of the most severe emergencies of our time, marked by a persistent lack of access to essential services and dramatic food insecurity. In 2023, the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) identified 2.1 million people in need of humanitarian aid: 1.3 million in Gaza and 800,000 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The escalation of the conflict on October 7, 2023, has intensified this crisis, pushing the number of people in distress to 3.1 million, with 2.2 million in Gaza and 900,000 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Italy, through AICS's Humanitarian Aid Programs, is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable segments of the Palestinian population, including displaced persons and those in high-risk areas. With a total budget of 20.2 million euros, we work closely with international bodies, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to ensure aid and protection in critical zones, such as Area C of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the H2 area of Hebron.
In 2023, we continued our collaboration with global partners like OCHA to respond to unforeseen emergencies and with the European Union (DG ECHO) to prevent forced displacements and support Palestinian communities. Alongside UNMAS, we have worked to reduce risks from unexploded ordnance, safeguarding civilian lives.
A significant new initiative is the launch of the LRRD “POP – Post-Emergency Palestine” program, designed to strengthen essential services and address the structural causes of human rights violations. This program, implementing the Linking Relief Rehabilitation and Development (LRRD) approach, blends emergency response with development to meet the complex needs of the Palestinian population. With a 3.6 million euro budget, it is managed by three civil society organizations: We World, ACS, and Terre des Hommes. The goal is to improve access to fundamental rights such as land, water, education, and health.
Throughout 2023, we also completed two emergency initiatives with the support of eight Italian civil society organizations, in collaboration with international and Palestinian partners. These projects, valued at 4.2 million euros, have protected communities most exposed to human rights violations and humanitarian law breaches.
Through our ongoing efforts, Italy is tirelessly working to alleviate suffering and build a better future for Palestine.
Deir Razeh School, renovated with AICS Emergency Funds, part of the Child Friendly Schools project in Hebron, Palestine. Implemented by VIS and Action Against Hunger - Middle East.
Gaza, Al Daraj Clinic, WASH, OXFAM
Jerusalem, Dawha School, LARD initiative, Terre Des Hommes Italy