OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

In 2024, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) was marked by persistent tensions and a severe humanitarian crisis. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exacerbated by the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, has led to an escalation in violence and suffering for the civilian population. The relentless bombing has caused widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis. In the West Bank, the blockade and restrictions on movement continue to weaken the Palestinian economy, fuelling high unemployment and deepening reliance on international aid. Against that backdrop, Luxembourg has allocated a total of €13.82 million to the OPT (all types of aid taken together).

In terms of partnerships, Luxembourg is continuing its support for civil society actors through multiannual partnership agreements with the Palestinian Agricultural Development Association (PARC), an NGO working to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion in rural communities, the NGO Palestinian Medical Relief Society, an organisation active in the sector of women’s reproductive health, the NGO Teacher Creativity Center, which works in the area of training in psychosocial support for teachers in Palestinian schools, as well as with the NGO Coalition for Accountability and Integrity (AMAN), working in the area of transparency and inclusive governance.

Luxembourg’s efforts in the OPT are further bolstered by its support for the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) project in inclusive and digital finance. AFI’s local partner for this project is the Palestinian Monetary Authority, as well as the wastewater management project in the West Bank, implemented by the EIB’s Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership.

In May 2024, Luxembourg signed a new agreement with both branches of the NGO Bridging Insights, based in Israel and the OPT, to support their project to develop effective conflict resolution strategies.

In 2024, Minister Xavier Bettel conducted three visits to Israel and the OPT to strengthen diplomatic relations and address issues linked to the ongoing conflict. In engaging in dialogue with key stakeholders, the Minister sought to encourage engagement and promote peace initiatives, recognising the crucial importance of stability in a volatile environment. These visits also provided an opportunity to visit ongoing projects and to see first-hand the achievements made and the challenges encountered, mainly as a result of the conflict.