In response to UNRWA urgent appeal for funding resulting from the tragic escalation in violence currently unfolding in the Gaza Strip, Iceland has stepped forward and announced a new contribution in the amount of ISK 70 million (c. US$ 0.53 million).
This comes on top of contributions from a new framework agreement between Iceland and UNRWA, signed in September 2023, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. This agreement covers the years 2024-2028 and significantly increases Iceland’s annual contribution to the Agency from ISK 25 million (c. US$ 179,000) to ISK 110 million (c. US$ 789,000).
“It has been less than a month since I signed the new multi-year agreement with Foreign Minister Gylfadóttir. It speaks volumes about Iceland as a donor that, in response to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, it has managed to mobilize significant additional funding so rapidly. UNRWA is proud of our cooperation and extremely grateful for the ongoing support. I urge other donors to follow Iceland’s example and do so as quickly as possible. The time to act is now, and your contributions may literally save human lives,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.