Norway gives additional $13 million in aid to Palestinians

HELSINKI, Sept 24 (Reuters) — Norway's government said on Thursday it will give an additional 125 million Norwegian crowns ($13.17 million) in aid to the occupied Palestinian territories through the United Nations and the World Bank, including public sector budget support. Norway recognised a Palestinian state in 2024 and chairs the international donor group for the Palestinians. Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement the need for international support was "greater than ever". Eide also criticised Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank. Norway is providing around 1 billion Norwegian crowns in assistance to the Palestinians in 2026. ($1 = 9.4941 Norwegian crowns) (Reporting by Essi Lehto, editing by Louise Rasmussen and Terje Solsvik) ((essi.lehto@thomsonreuters.com; +358 50 541 2375)