Remarks by Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, at the Second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group – Ministerial Meeting

Brussels, Belgium | July 13, 2026As prepared for delivery Thank you, Commissioner Šuica, for convening the Palestine Donor Group today; thank you, Prime Minister Mustafa for your remarks; and thank you to all partners joining us. On behalf of the World Bank Group, let me express my appreciation for the second gathering of this group, and the recent AHLC meeting that took place here in Brussels in April. The Comprehnsive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, the following ceasefire, and the UNSCR 2803 created the opening for relief, recovery, and reconstruction. Today’s meeting on early recovery reflects foundations without which lasting development gains are not possible. Getting there will take everyone – no single partner can do this alone. Today I would like to reaffirm the World Bank Group’s commitment to this partnership. At the outset of the conflict we provided support through UN agencies for immediate relief, together with the EU and the UN we have prepared Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, the most recent one published in April 2026, which contributes to planning and prioritization and, immediately, we have a portfolio in Gaza that can be resumed quickly comprising $70 million in paused activities and supports priorities such as water supply, wastewater treatment, energy and social and health services. We are also providing technical assistance to NCAG, specifically in the areas of PFM. In addition to this, we have our annual program focused on the West Bank and Gaza and funds that donors can use to channel their support through the World Bank to activities in both Gaza and the West Bank. Among these I would like to mention the Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development (PFRD) for the West Bank and Gaza and the Gaza Reconstruction and Development Financial Intermediary Fund (GRAD FIF) which is focused on Gaza. The Team Gaza Initiative is in important part of the “all partners needed” approach and the World Bank Group is pleased to support it and be here today for its launch. I would like to add our voice to others regarding the alarming fiscal situation in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority is facing a severe fiscal crisis with alarming consequences for essential service delivery. We welcome the six-month extension of correspondent banking relations as a necessary stabilization measure. However, it is not sufficient. Resolving the clearance revenue issue and raising the cash repatriation quota are essential. In the meantime, external financial support is urgently needed to sustain services and support the continued focus and implementation of reforms. We urge all partners to respond to this need. Looking ahead, all we do today – collectively – lay the foundations for a better and peaceful future for all people in the region and where Palestinian families can plan their lives with genuine hope and opportunity. The work of an independent panel of senior experts commissioned by the World Bank looked beyond immediate recovery and charted a long-term vision of a transformed future: one built around job creation, strong human capital, connectivity, and a prosperous economy. So let us – all together - proceed with urgency to address the needs of today, and while doing that have as our guide the promising future ahead for the Palestinian people and for all people in the region. Thank you.