HUMANITARIAN AID 2026: HOW CAN IT GET TO THOSE WHO NEED IT?

Humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population is currently facing major political and practical challenges. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has played a crucial role in providing aid, healthcare, and education for decades, is increasingly restricted in its ability to operate. The activities of UNRWA and those of NGOs like doctors Without Borders in Israel and the Palestinian territories have been severely curtailed or even banned.

Nevertheless, the United Nations and these NGOs continues to strive to maintain basic aid services. In cooperation with international organizations and local partners, the UN is working to provide humanitarian assistance, medical care, and educational opportunities for the Palestinian population, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Given the tense political situation and the difficult security conditions, the question arises as to how humanitarian aid can be organized under these circumstances – and what prospects exist for the future of international support in Gaza and the West Bank.

Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA affairs, Westbank

Marcus Bachmann, Advocacy and Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, Doctors without Borders/MSF Austria, Head of Mission for the Occupied Palestinian Territory until end of march

Christoph Sternat, Head of Unit, Department for Humanitarian Aid in the framework of EU, aid in crisis regions and fragile states, Austrian ministry for European and Foreign affairs BMEIA

Mona Ali Khalil, Director of MAK Law International, Non-Resident Faculty of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy, Affiliate of Harvard Law School and former Senior Legal Officer in the UN and IAEA.

Moderation:

Tessa Szyszkowitz, author and journalist. Distinguished Fellow at Royal United Services Institute in London (RUSI)