On 14 November 2023, in response to the growing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make contributions to the Israel’s national emergency medical service (Magen David Adom), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), to support Israel and the Palestinian civilian population.
The funds will be provided from funding already allocated to the Contributions to International Organizations programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision is taken in the light of calls from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the United States, and in the context of solidarity expressed by the majority of EU and NATO Member States.
By contributing to these organizations, Latvia stands in solidarity with the people of Israel, who continue to face regular terrorist attacks since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Solidarity is also expressed with the Palestinian civilian population, which is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as clashes between the terrorist group Hamas and the Israeli Defence Forces intensify. The Cabinet Order provides for a contribution of EUR 30 000 to Israel’s national emergency medical service Magen David Adom, EUR 100 000 to UNRWA, and EUR 20 000 to WFP.
Since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, 1 200 people have been killed and more than 3 000 injured in Israel. At the same time, attacks by Hamas from the Gaza Strip continue; attacks from the Lebanese territory controlled by Hezbollah have also increased. In Gaza, more than 10 000 people have been killed.
In this context, international humanitarian organizations are facing increasing difficulties in providing support to the civilian population. International staff and aid workers have also been killed and injured in the resulting shelling. Already, 102 UN staff have been killed in air strikes in Gaza. Despite the difficulties, international aid organizations continue their work in the Gaza Strip, most notably UNRWA, one of the leading UN system organizations in the region, and WFP, which is playing an increasingly important role in providing food supplies.
At the same time, Israel continues to face attacks by Hamas. As a result, dozens of civilians continue to suffer daily, with essential support from the Israeli national emergency medical service Magen David Adom, a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.