Contribution to the UNICEF Emergency response in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank
Switzerland supports UNICEF’s emergency intervention in the OPT, in response to the ongoing armed conflict. UNICEF provides life-saving support in WASH, health, nutrition, education, child protection, social protection and cash transfers at the benefit of conflict affected children and their caregivers. The contribution is part of the Federal Council’s decision from 21 May 2025 to grant CHF 9 million to humanitarian organizations in the OPT.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupied Palestinian Territory |
Emergency Relief and Protection
Protection, access & security
Material relief assistance Humanitarian efficiency |
01.06.2025
- 31.12.2025 |
CHF 3’500’000
|
- United Nations Children’s Fund
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Material relief assistance and services
Material relief assistance and services
Relief co-ordination; protection and support services
Aid Type Basketpooled multi-donor fund
Project number 7F14001
| Background |
The armed conflict in the Gaza Strip and rising violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have triggered severe humanitarian consequences: fatalities, mass displacement and child separation. At least 3.3 million people require humanitarian assistance. In the Gaza Strip, infrastructure damage and limited humanitarian access have created critical needs for WASH and health-care services, with outbreaks of waterborne diseases and polio threatening public health. Food insecurity is worsening and now exposes 322,000 children to the risk of malnutrition. Thousands of children also face mental health challenges, and 660,000 are out of school. In the West Bank, violence and economic hardship impact over 830,000 people needing health care and WASH support; 133,000 children require education support. UNICEF provides life-saving support in WASH, health, nutrition, education, child protection, social protection and cash transfers at the benefit of the physical and mental well-being of children and their caregivers. |
| Objectives | Improved physical and mental well-being of conflict affected children and their caregivers in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. |
| Target groups | Conflict affected affected children, adolescents and their caregivers |
| Medium-term outcomes | Access to life-saving, life-sustaining and protective services is ensured. |
| Results |
Expected results: ▪ 893,333 children and women accessing primary health care ▪ 694’652 children receive nutrition support ▪ 2,05 Mio people are accessing a sufficient quantity and quality of water ▪ 858’000 children and caregivers are accessing community-based mental health and psychosocial support ▪ 290’000 children are accessing educational opportunities and activities for their wellbeing ▪ 765’000 people reached with humanitarian cash transfer ▪ 645’340 people reaches through messaging on prevention of harmful practices, health related risks and access to services Results from previous phases: N.A. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner United Nations Organization (UNO) |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | WHO, UN OCHA, UNRWA, Save the Children, Terre des Hommes Lausanne, ICRC, PRCS, WFP |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 3’500’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 3’500’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 3’500’000 |
| Project phases |
Phase 1 01.06.2025 - 31.12.2025 (Active) |
