World bank

World Bank warns of 16% rise in commodity pricing over Hormuz closure

World Bank forecasts a 24% rise in energy prices in 2026, driven by the Iran conflict and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global markets.

 A participant stands near a logo of the World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, October 12, 2018
A woman walks on a street with shuttered doors in Tehran on Sunday.

A new Marshall Plan: Israel, Gulf States in a new Middle East development plan - opinion

ACTING PRIME Minister of Kosovo and Levizja Vetevendosje (Movement for Self-Determination) party leader Albin Kurti speaks to his supporters during the last election campaign rally in Pristina, Kosovo December 27, 2025.

Kosovo to hold election in bid to end year-long political impasse

Britain's Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward votes on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, during a meeting of the UN Security Council at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 18, 2025

World Bank, in letter to US, backs draft UN resolution on Gaza


World Bank provides Lebanon with $34M to buy vaccines

As new infections rise in the region, Jordan announced that it is vaccinating refugees alongside the rest of the population

People walk along an empty street near al-Amin mosque, as Lebanon imposed a partial lockdown for two weeks starting on Friday in an effort to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which have spiralled since the catastrophic explosion at Beirut port, Lebanon August 21, 2020

Sudan welcomes US move to clear $1 bln in arrears to World Bank

The move allows Sudan to access $1.5 billion annually in funds from the International Development Association (IDA), which is an arm of the World Bank.

Sudan's Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, and Chad President Idriss Deby attend the signing of peace agreement between the Sudan's transitional government and Sudanese revolutionary movements to end decades-old conflict, in Juba, South Sudan

Jewish philanthropist, former Gaza envoy James Wolfensohn dies at 86

Wolfensohn was his entire life also devoted to Jewish giving. The family foundation he set up, administered by his children, gave to a broad array of Jewish causes across denominations.

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat (R) greets World Bank President James Wolfensohn at Arafat's office in Gaza City July 22, 1999.FILE PHOTO: Palestinian President Yasser Arafat (R) greets World Bank President James Wolfensohn at Arafat's office in Gaza City July 22, 1999.

World Bank warns of $760m. Palestinian Authority funding deficit in 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the PA could be forced to cut basic services, including medical ones, unless it found a way to make up the shortfall.

A participant stands near a logo of World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018

World Bank cancels loan for Lebanese dam, effective immediately

The World Bank began raising concerns in January about Lebanon's plans to build the large dam in the Bisri Valley, and put funding for the program under partial suspension on June 26.

A demonstrator holds the Lebanese flag in Martyrs' Square where protests are held following Tuesday's blast in Beirut, Lebanon August 9, 2020

World Bank grants $30m. to Palestinians economically harmed by COVID-19

According to the World Bank at least 68,000 Palestinian household have been harmed economically by the pandemic.

World Bank building entrance 370

World Bank invests $15m. to boost Palestinian IT sector, create jobs

The new project aims to help create more high-quality jobs in the Palestinian IT sector, as well as help boost the capabilities of existing firms in the field.

Computer keyboard [illustrative].

World Bank: Palestinian economy could contract by 11% due to COVID-19

In 2019 the Palestinian economy grew by only 1% due in part to low levels of investment, movement restriction, poor tax collection and a stand-off between the PA and Israel.

A Palestinian man waits at a counter to make a withdrawal at the Housing Bank for Trade & Finance in the West Bank city of Ramallah January 22, 2013

World Bank warns of ten year low in donor funding to PA

“If the COVID-19 outbreak is not controlled soon, its impact on economic activity and livelihoods is going to be severe,” the World Bank said.

Palestinian Authority envoy Riyad Mansour.

World Bank to give $5.8 million to help Palestinians fight coronavirus

This funding will cover top priorities, including equipment and materials for infection and prevention control, laboratory diagnostics, isolation and case management.

Palestinian women work in a sanitiser factory amid precautions against the coronavirus, in Hebron in the West Bank March 12, 2020