UK Commits £10 Million to Palestinian Authority’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

The United Kingdom has pledged a significant £10 million in financial aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories to support the provision of basic services and salaries for 8,200 health workers. This funding will also contribute towards the payment of salaries for other essential public sector employees.

Part of Broader Reform Efforts

This commitment is part of the UK’s efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s reform program aimed at tackling corruption and inefficiency in the economy. The aid package will be delivered through a trusted multilateral mechanism, the World Bank’s Palestinian Umbrella for Resilience Support to the Economy (PURSE) Trust Fund’s Palestine Emergency Financing Facility (PEFF) project.

Addressing Financial Crisis

The UK’s decision to provide financial support comes as the Palestinian Authority faces a severe financial crisis. Only half of its employees have been receiving their salaries, and Israel has withheld tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority, exacerbating the crisis.

Reform Commitments

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has committed to implementing reforms across the Palestinian economy to combat corruption and improve public sector efficiency. The UK’s Foreign Secretary has spoken with the Prime Minister on several occasions to reiterate the UK’s support for his agenda.

Sending a Clear Message

The funding package is expected to send a clear message to other donors to consider making similar pledges, according to officials. The UK’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian Authority’s reform program is seen as crucial in achieving lasting peace and progress towards a two-state solution.

Technical Assistance Package

The UK’s technical assistance package will provide up to £5 million in funding to support the Palestinian Authority’s program of reform. This objective is to increase transparency, fight corruption, and improve public sector efficiency.

Meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa

The aid announcement was made during a meeting between Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at the Gaza Humanitarian Conference in Jordan. The conference aims to bring together regional partners to discuss tangible progress on key issues affecting the Palestinian Territories.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact: newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk / 020 7008 3100