Republic of Korea and UNICEF expand partnership to restore critical services and improve the wellbeing of Palestinian children

JERUSALEM, 21 October 2026 - The Republic of Korea and UNICEF are partnering to strengthen support for children and families impacted by the conflict in Gaza through a new US$7.93 million funding contribution. The UNICEF programme will focus on restoring and sustaining essential services that children rely on, including health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education, and child protection, for an estimated 200,000 people.

“This renewed support from the Republic of Korea comes at a critical time for children and families in the Gaza Strip,” said Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine. “The contribution will save and improve children’s lives by strengthening the services they rely on today and over the longer term. We are deeply grateful to the Republic of Korea for its continued commitment to children and for helping ensure that vital support reaches those who need it most,” added Veitch. 

“Building on the results achieved in the first phase, the Republic of Korea continues its support for children and families in Gaza,” said Young K. Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine. “We hope this contribution will help the people of Palestine lead healthy lives and build a better future despite the challenging circumstances, and we will continue to work with the international community to address humanitarian needs”

The Republic of Korea support will improve primary healthcare services through the provision of essential medicines, life-saving equipment, and training for health workers, while expanding access to safe water and sanitation in healthcare facilities and high-risk communities.

In education, two learning centers will provide education and holistic child development support for 6,800 children, while 22 additional centers will receive support to strengthen their services and operational capacity. The programme will also improve child protection services, including case management and family and alternative care, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. Together, the interventions are designed to build the capacity of local systems and frontline workers to continue delivering services in such challenging conditions.

This new commitment builds on the results achieved through the first phase of the Republic of Korea’s support to UNICEF, which expanded learning opportunities for 13,500 children, enabled more than 400,000 people to access essential health services, including primary healthcare consultations through mobile health teams, and provided critical WASH services to 382,000 people, including 179,000 children.