Norway provides NOK 100 million in budget support to Palestine
Press release | Date: 20/04/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The economic situation in Palestine is so precarious that hospitals, schools and other public services are at risk of collapse. We must do what we can to prevent such a collapse. That is why we are now providing Palestine with NOK 100 million in budget support,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
The announcement of the budget support comes as Foreign Minister Eide meets Prime Minister of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa in Brussels. In Brussels, Eide will chair a meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for Palestine together with the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. He will also take part in a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
The situation in Palestine is being exacerbated by extensive movement restrictions imposed by Israel, settler violence and the occupation.
Israel has not transferred Palestinian tax revenues for almost a year. Donor contributions can never replace all of Palestine’s own revenues, and Palestinian Government have been forced to make drastic cuts to the state budget. This has resulted in public employees such as teachers, health workers and police officers receiving only partial payment of their salaries.
“The war that has unfolded across the Middle East in recent weeks must not cause us to lose sight of the situation in Palestine. A Palestinian state living in peace alongside Israel is the key to peace in the entire Middle East. Israel’s withholding of revenues that rightfully belong to the Palestinian people undermines Palestinian state institutions and the very foundation for future Palestinian independence,” said Eide.
Norway’s budget support will help to maintain basic public services in Palestine, particularly in the education sector, ensure the payment of salaries to public employees, and provide a degree of financial stability in an acute crisis situation.
“Without sustainable and well-functioning public institutions, the Palestinian government will not be able to meet its obligations to its population. Institutions that Palestinians, together with the international community, have built up over more than 30 years risk being eroded. The budget support helps ensure that the Palestinian population can continue to receive health care and education. I urge more countries to contribute as well,” the Foreign Minister said.
Norway’s planned support to Palestine, including support for Palestinian refugees, will be close to NOK 1 billion in 2026.