Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland welcomed the launch of the United Nations 'Horizon' fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, announcing a joint contribution of $57.8 million in support of the vital role played by the United Nations and to support the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and the peace plan in Gaza.

The eight countries affirmed in a joint statement that the launch of the fund represents a vital step to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip by expanding the scope of early recovery measures to meet the urgent needs of civilians.

They explained that the fund will support the efforts of UN agencies in the areas of water and sanitation, health, housing, and rubble removal, in addition to contributing to the revival of livelihoods, local economic activity, and paving the way for comprehensive and sustainable reconstruction.

They added that the fund provides a common platform for coordinating and overseeing the work of UN agencies and donors, ensuring that their operations in the Gaza Strip are carried out in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, and in a manner that guarantees respect for the rights of the Palestinian people.

The eight countries reiterated the need to ensure that humanitarian aid and early recovery measures enter the Gaza Strip urgently, safely, and without restrictions.