A group of 12 nations providing financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority has agreed to an emergency package increasing the support, according to press releases from Spain and Norway's foreign ministries on Friday.
The Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, whose stated aim is to “stabilize the Palestinian Authority’s finances and preserve its ability to govern,” consists of Spain, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
It was not immediately clear how much total funding the initiative would raise.
The Norwegian government stated that its contribution was approximately $4 million, while the Spanish statement did not specify its contribution.
'Urgent, unprecedented financial crisis' facing the Palestinian Authority, Norway claims
"This coalition was established in response to the urgent and unprecedented financial crisis confronting the Palestinian Authority (PA)," the foreign ministry said in the statement.
The Spanish ministry expressed that "short-term aid alone is not sufficient," elaborating that the coalition will aim for a more long-term, "sustainable, predictable, and coordinated approach, working with international financial institutions and key partners to mobilize resources, support ongoing governance and economic reforms, and ensure full transparency and accountability."
Participating nations also called on Israel to release funds they said belong to the PA.
The Spanish ministry invited other nations to join the "open" coalition, affirming that the coalition will be committed to "safeguarding the viability of the two-State solution and to advancing a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace."