Sat Jan 03 10:10:00 UTC 2026: News Article: US Pledges $2 Billion in Aid, but Gaza Handled Separately

Geneva – The United States announced a $2 billion aid package on Monday aimed at combating hunger and disease in over a dozen countries in 2026. The initiative marks a shift in US foreign aid strategy following significant cuts during the Trump administration and reduced contributions from other major donors like Germany.

The funds will be channeled through the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) under a new agreement designed to enhance efficiency and accountability. The US and the UN will sign individual memorandums of understanding with 17 priority countries, including Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Sudan.

While UN officials welcomed the US pledge, they also acknowledged the challenging funding environment for humanitarian aid. Total US humanitarian contributions to the UN fell to $3.38 billion in 2025, a significant drop from $14.1 billion in 2024 and $17.2 billion in 2022. The UN launched a 2026 aid appeal for $23 billion to reach 87 million people at risk, half the $47 billion sought for 2025, reflecting plunging donor support despite record global needs.

Notably, critical areas like Yemen and Afghanistan will not be included in this initial funding mechanism, with the UN seeking alternative donors to address their needs.

Gaza, facing a dire humanitarian crisis, is also excluded from the announcement. A US State Department official stated that Gaza would be handled separately, with ongoing efforts to secure additional donors for a pooled mechanism under a “phase two” approach. The US had previously approved over $300 million for Gaza following a ceasefire.

According to Jeremy Lewin, Under Secretary of State, the focus of the new funding is on life-saving assistance, with climate-related and other non-priority projects being cut. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher stressed that all humanitarian action must remain neutral, impartial, and independent, regardless of donor requirements. He added, “Millions of lives will be saved across 17 countries.”

Read More