Republic of Korea Provides USD 30 Million in Humanitarian Support to the Gaza Strip through UNDP, UNICEF and WFP in Coordination with the Palestinian Government
The announcement was made during an official launch event held in Ramallah, attended by H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs ad interim, representing the Government of the State of Palestine; H.E. Youngkul Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine; and Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in addition to representatives of agencies from UNDP, UNICEF, and WFP.
“The Palestinian government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in Gaza, despite limited resources. We are leading a coordinated humanitarian response and are ready to act immediately, in partnership with the international community. Our Emergency Coordination Mechanism brings together ministries, UN agencies, and Palestinian civil society to deliver life-saving humanitarian support. We thank the Republic of Korea for its timely and generous support, which is helping us address urgent needs. Taking responsibility for Gaza is not a privilege, it is our duty”, said H.E. Dr. Samah Hamad, Minister of Social Affairs.
This coordinated contribution comes at a critical time as Gaza endures an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Families remain displaced, children are out of school, and communities face immense challenges in accessing food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The Republic of Korea’s support reflects its deep commitment to multilateralism and solidarity with the Palestinian people during this crisis. Implemented through the Government of the State of Palestine, in coordination with relevant line ministries, this partnership ensures that the response is nationally led, aligned with national priorities, and directly addresses the urgent needs of the affected population in Gaza.
“This year, the Korean government has launched flagship humanitarian programs in the several regions and countries worst affected by severe crises. Fortunately, Gaza was selected as one of key program sites, and these three projects totaling 30 million dollars will be a vital lifeline for the people of Gaza at a critical moment”, said Youngkul Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine.
“Gaza is facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Families are displaced, essential services have collapsed, and famine has been confirmed in Gaza City. The Republic of Korea’s timely support, delivered through UNDP, UNICEF, and WFP, is making a tangible impact and reflects the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza. This support is helping restore education, healthcare, and water services; provide transitional shelters and solar-powered community centers; and deliver food assistance to over half a million people. All efforts are implemented in close coordination with the Palestinian government and under its leadership, ensuring a nationally owned response that addresses the most urgent needs,” said Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Through UNICEF, the Republic of Korea is providing USD 10 million to support over 200,000 people in Gaza—particularly women and children, by restoring access to education, healthcare, and safe water and sanitation. The project includes temporary learning spaces for 12,000 students, primary healthcare for 150,000 displaced peoplethrough expanded services at fixed sites and mobile outreach teams operating in newly accessible areas, and improved WASH services in schools, clinics, and community facilities benefiting 200,000 people. It ensures the inclusion of children with disabilities and promotes community engagement and advocacy.
Complementing UNDP’s early recovery efforts, the Republic of Korea is providing USD 10 million to deliver transitional shelter and strengthen resilience in Gaza. The project includes 540 transitional housing units and eight solar-powered community centers with water and sanitation access. It promotes debris reuse, supports social cohesion, and prioritizes vulnerable groups, including women-headed households and persons with disabilities.
Through WFP, the Republic of Korea’s contribution will provide emergency food assistance for approximately 500,000 severely food-insecure individuals across Gaza. This includes the distribution of fortified wheat flour to prioritizing internally displaced people in shelters and hard-to-reach areas where markets are non-functional. Wherever possible, local procurement will be used to stimulate the economy while addressing urgent food needs. An additional around 126,000 people facing mounting economic distress due to military operations, displacements and settler violence in the West Bank will receive food assistance through electronic vouchers they can use to buy nutritious food at more than 140 retailers.
Together, these interventions form an integrated humanitarian package that addresses urgent needs in food, shelter, health, education, and WASH. They are fully aligned with the 2025 Humanitarian Flash Appeal and the Gaza Recovery Framework, ensuring coherence with the broader UN response. By meeting immediate lifesaving needs while supporting early recovery and resilience, the Republic of Korea’s contribution demonstrates the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus in action—helping communities survive today while laying the foundations for a more stable and inclusive future.