Historical archive

Shelter for internally displaced people in Gaza

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Norway is providing NOK 38 million for shelter for families who lost their homes as a result of the conflict in Gaza in 2014. 'The winter weather in Gaza is creating huge problems for the families who do not have proper homes. Conditions for the most vulnerable people urgently need to be improved,' commented Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

Norway's contribution to these efforts will be channelled through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

'Around 10 000 people are still living in school buildings. We want these schools to be used for what they are meant for – teaching children and young people,' Mr Brende said.

The 51-day-long conflict in the summer of 2014 resulted in extensive damage in Gaza. According to UN estimates, around 100 000 homes were destroyed.

'As chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Assistance to the Palestinians, Norway is mobilising donors to support reconstruction efforts. It is crucial that the donors actually honour the pledges made at the Cairo Conference on 12 October last year so that the people of Gaza can look forward to a better future,' said Mr Brende.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bård Glad Pedersen today visited Gaza to hold talks on the reconstruction of Gaza and the work to follow up the Cairo Conference.