The European Commission announced an additional €50 million ($56.7 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza and the West Bank as part of a larger aid package for the region.

EU Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said on Wednesday that the money, which is to be made available to aid organisations in the region, is intended “to help meet the urgent needs and ease the suffering of the Palestinians.

“But no aid can reach those who need it without safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian workers. That must be guaranteed,” Ms Lahbib said.

The new funding brings the total humanitarian assistance allocated to Gaza and the West Bank in 2025 to €170 million.

The commission said it will provide an additional €20 million in humanitarian aid to Syria to cover basic support like food and healthcare, bringing the total for this year to €202.5 million.

“In Syria, we’re boosting funding for the north-east, where people urgently need healthcare and protection, and we are doing so with neutrality and without any discrimination,” Ms Lahbib said.

An additional €13 million was allocated to Lebanon.

“In Lebanon, as families try to cope under a fragile ceasefire, we’re scaling up help with basics such as food and medical care, especially for vulnerable Syrian refugees and Lebanese communities,” said the commissioner.

(dpa/NAN)