Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD) has pledged a €177 million support package for the Middle East in response to the impacts of the Iran conflict. The assistance represents "first and foremost an expression of solidarity" and is "both humanitarian as well as necessary from a security policy and economic policy perspective," the minister stated on Tuesday during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman.
According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), part of the funding had already been earmarked for the region, while another portion will come through reallocations within the ministry's budget.
According to the BMZ, the support measures are planned for Jordan, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank. €50 million will be available for the care of Syrian refugees in Jordan. An additional €22 million beyond previous commitments is intended for the construction of a seawater desalination plant at the Red Sea.
For supporting people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the BMZ has earmarked €30 million, primarily designated for shelter construction and educational initiatives. €75 million is allocated for Lebanon. These funds will finance direct cash-based employment, soup kitchens, sleeping facilities, and learning materials.
All mentioned countries and regions are particularly affected by the impacts of the Iran conflict, the BMZ explained. In Lebanon, there have been more than 1,200 deaths and thousands of displaced persons. In Jordan, prices have risen massively, jeopardizing the provision for millions of refugees in the country.
The Gaza Strip is receiving fewer aid deliveries through border crossings, while the West Bank is suffering from increasing violence by Israeli settlers and has been repeatedly struck by rocket debris.
"The entire region is in flames," Alabali-Radovan had already stated on Monday on the occasion of her Middle East trip. Many of Germany's partner countries have been "drawn into the war." During her visit, she wanted to demonstrate solidarity and offer support.
The United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran on February 28. On the first day of the conflict, the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other members of the Iranian leadership were killed in US-Israeli air raids in Tehran. Since then, Iran has been attacking Israel as well as several Gulf states and US facilities in the Gulf region with rockets and drones.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
