KT - Norway said Friday that several donor countries have agreed to launch a joint
initiative to provide emergency aid to the Palestinian Authority, which is
facing what it called an unprecedented financial crisis.
In a statement, Norway’s Foreign Ministry said
Saudi Arabia, Spain, Britain, Japan and France are among the backers of the
plan, called the “Emergency Coalition for Palestinian Financial
Sustainability.”
The initiative aims to stabilize the Palestinian
Authority’s finances, maintain its ability to govern, deliver basic services
and ensure security in the Palestinian territories, the ministry said.
Member states also urged Israel to release funds
they said belong to the Palestinians.
While the final amount of the aid package has
not yet been determined, Norway announced it will contribute 40 million kroner
(about $4 million).
