USAID supports the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations in the West Bank and Gaza, including by providing critical food assistance, essential non-food items such as hygiene kits and medical supplies, and access to clean water and healthcare. USAID provides psychosocial support for conflict-affected children and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life of Palestinians.
USAID/West Bank and Gaza is currently doing this through the following activities:
Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED)
$60 million • Implemented by Global Communities • 2023-2028
Palestinians in Gaza are living under subsistence conditions with more than 80% of the population dependent on donor aid. To strengthen the resilience of Gazan households, USAID’s five-year ILEED program provides economic opportunities, increases access to basic necessities, improves livelihoods, and enhances economic development. ILEED delivers coaching and training, market linkages, network engagement, and small business grants to the most vulnerable in Gaza to generate income and meet basic needs. ILEED strengthens innovative community approaches and flexibility to respond to unforeseen emergencies.
Pioneers - Raedat Activity
$35 million • Implemented by Global Communities • 2023-2028
The Pioneers-Raedat Activity works to address gender gaps and advance gender equality by empowering women within their communities; assume active roles in the economic, social, and political environments; and fulfill their potential as full and equal members of society. The activity supports leadership development programs at Palestinian universities, employability trainings, internship opportunities, safe work environments, and awareness raising campaigns.
Responding to Local Priorities
$24 million • Implemented by MSI • 2023-2025
The Responding to Local Priorities Activity addresses community needs in the northern West Bank by improving community services, conducting repairs for private and public buildings, and providing short-term livelihoods opportunities. The project improves the ability of community organizations to help better respond to emergencies and provides youth with meaningful access to economic opportunities. The activity is flexible and responsive to emerging needs within these objectives and complements ongoing assistance efforts.
East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN) Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
$18.9 million • Implemented by Jhpiego • 2023-2026
President Biden pledged to provide up to $100 million to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN) during his visit to the region in July of 2022. As part of this pledge, the EJHN Capacity Building and Technical Assistance activity focuses on building the capacity of EJHN hospitals to diversify income streams and improve service provision for patients from Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, thus making the hospitals more resilient while still maintaining and improving services provided to referred patients.
East Jerusalem Hospital Network (EJHN) Debt Relief
In July 2023, as part of President Biden’s pledge of $100 million to assist the EJHN hospitals, USAID provided $25.5 million in debt relief to the hospitals as they continue to provide necessary and life-saving treatment to tens of thousands of Palestinians. This funding ensures continued access to critical care for patients from Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Note: These represent current awards administered by USAID/West Bank and Gaza. The dollar amounts are the technical estimated costs of the award over the full period of performance and outyear funding is subject to availability of funding.
Humanitarian Assistance
In addition, USAID also supports vulnerable populations through humanitarian aid, and provides life-saving assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza through its Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). To learn more about BHA’s assistance in West Bank and Gaza, visit: https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/WestBank-Gaza
