The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a EUR 10 million contribution from the Government of Spain to address urgent food security needs amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and other fragile regions, according to a press release by WFP. The humanitarian package was approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers on 14 April and is being channelled through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Of the total amount, EUR 7.05 million has been allocated to Lebanon, Palestine, Mali, and Niger. The remaining EUR 2.95 million will be allocated in due course. The funding aims to support populations facing hunger driven by conflict and violence.
The contribution comes as worsening food insecurity is being driven by conflict and the ripple effect of the escalation in the Middle East. WFP’s response covers the severe humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and the wider regional impact on food security. It also extends to other vulnerable contexts in the Central Sahel. Disruptions to international maritime traffic are further compounding these challenges. The restrictions risk undermining the upcoming planting season by delaying the movement of essential agricultural inputs.
The geographical allocation of the EUR 7.05 million is distributed as follows:
- Palestine: EUR 500,000
- Lebanon: EUR 700,000
- Mali: EUR 2.8 million
- Niger: EUR 3.05 million
This funding will support WFP’s emergency operations across the four countries, where conflict and economic shocks are placing increasing pressure on families. The allocation reflects the scale of needs in each context.
“Spain has mobilized an initial EUR 7.05 million humanitarian contribution through the World Food Programme to address urgent food security needs in Lebanon, Palestine, Mali and Niger. This support comes at a time of growing humanitarian needs, driven by protracted crises and the escalating situation in the Middle East, which is further exacerbating food insecurity in already fragile contexts,” said Jose Manuel Albares, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain noted that the contribution arrives at a critical moment. She emphasized that conflict and economic shocks are pushing families to the edge in the recipient countries.
McCain added: “Spain’s support couldn’t come at a more critical time. This contribution enables WFP to deliver emergency food assistance in Lebanon, Palestine, Mali and Niger – countries where conflict and economic shocks are pushing families to the edge. When planting seasons are at stake and global supply chains are buckling, every day matters. This is exactly the kind of partnership that saves lives and livelihoods.”
