Germany announces $24m grant to support Palestine municipalities

Germany announced a €23 million ($24.2 million) grant to support municipalities in Palestine through the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF) to improve roads, water and waste management, and provide emergency aid amid the ongoing crisis, WAFA reported.

The Palestinian government, represented by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Wael Zaqout, today signed two agreements with the German government, represented by Ambassador Oliver Owcza, securing a €23 million grant.

The funding will support Palestinian local authorities through the German Development Bank, focusing on municipal development and the strengthening of village councils.

An additional €5 million ($5.3 million) will provide emergency financial aid for municipalities to maintain services and create temporary jobs amid high unemployment rates.

Zaqout thanked the German government for the grant, emphasising its potential to enhance local development, improve services and boost Palestinian resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.

He also stressed the importance of continued international cooperation to ensure the sustainability of development projects across Palestine.

Germany has been an outspoken supporter of Israel during its genocidal campaign in Gaza. In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth €326.5 million ($344 million) including military equipment and war weapons, a ten-fold increase from 2022, data from the ministry, which approves export licences, showed according to Reuters.

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