Denmark provides DKK 85 million in new humanitarian assistance to Palestine and Lebanon

In Gaza, humanitarian needs remain immense. The war has claimed more than 73,000 lives and left over 173,500 people injured. Around 77 per cent of the population is estimated to depend on food assistance, the healthcare system is under extreme strain, and the vast majority of schools require full or partial reconstruction. In the West Bank, Israeli military operations in the north have caused widespread destruction and the continued displacement of around 40,000 people. At the same time, settler activity and settler violence have intensified.

In Lebanon, the United Nations estimates that around 1.4 million people – equivalent to one quarter of the country's population – are in need of humanitarian assistance following the recent hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. More than one million people have been displaced since March 2026. Many of those who have started to return are faced with widespread destruction and, a lack of access to essential services and limited opportunities to resume their livelihoods.

At today's meeting of the Palestine Donor Group, convened by the European Union, Denmark is therefore announcing DKK 60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the crisis in Palestine, as well as DKK 25 million for humanitarian operations in Lebanon.

"The humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon are immense. Millions of people lack access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare and protection. With this new contribution, Denmark is helping experienced humanitarian organisations continue their lifesaving work under extremely difficult conditions," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

The funding will be channelled through some of Denmark's key humanitarian partners operating on the ground.

Background: Allocation of the humanitarian assistance package

Initiative	Amount
UNRWA – Occupied Palestinian Territory flash appeal 2026	DKK 20.0 million
UN Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OCHA)	DKK 40.0 million
WFP Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance in Lebanon	DKK 15.0 million
ICRC humanitarian operations in Lebanon	DKK 10.0 million
Total	DKK 85.0 million

Denmark's contribution to UNRWA will support the agency's work in healthcare, education, shelter, as well as water and sanitation services for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, UNRWA delivers health services to 1.6 million Palestinians and sanitation to 1.7 million.

The contribution to the UN Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory will provide flexible financing for emergency humanitarian assistance delivered through international and local humanitarian organisations in areas in support of food security, health, water and sanitation, early recovery and other prioritised sectors. In 2025, Denmark was the Fund's seventh-largest donor.

In Lebanon, Denmark's contribution to WFP will provide cash assistance to in conflict-affected communities, while the support to ICRC will increase protection activities including respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as well as strengthen access to healthcare and water supply, especially in southern Lebanon, where humanitarian needs are most acute and access particularly difficult.

For further information, please contact: pressevagten@um.dk