More than 4,400 people in conflict-ravaged Gaza will receive essential oncology medicines – including chemotherapy drugs – thanks to funding from Jersey.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) will use Jersey Overseas Aid’s support to deliver these life-saving treatments, with additional assistance for first responders in the West Bank through a partnership with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

The initiative forms part of new humanitarian allocations announced by the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, the Island’s publicly funded aid and development agency, to support civilians affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

£1m provided this year

The latest round of funding to MAP, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) brings Jersey’s total humanitarian assistance for this year to about £1 million.

The decision comes as humanitarian agencies expand operations in the wake of a ceasefire and renewed international efforts towards peace. Despite improved access, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions facing severe shortages of food, healthcare and shelter.

Pictured: Deir al-Balah, Gaza, 5 October 2025. Bread bundles produced by WFP-supported bakeries are being distributed to families for the first time since 31 March 2025. Bread is the most basic element in every Gazan’s diet, meaning the activity provides a lifeline to families that have endured months of hunger due to the war and limited aid.

“These latest allocations demonstrate Jersey’s determination to act swiftly and effectively in one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises,” Deputy Carolyn Labey, International Development Minister and JOA chair, said.

“As the humanitarian community enters a pivotal phase and agencies regain access to cut-off communities, our timely support is helping deliver food, medicine and other life-saving assistance to those who need it most.”

“Jersey’s support comes at a critical moment”

Antoine Renard, WFP Country Director for Palestine, said: “Jersey’s support comes at a critical moment, as WFP scales up life-saving food assistance across Gaza. This timely contribution enables us to reach more families with not just food, but a sense of hope and dignity amid unimaginable hardship.”

The new allocations will allow WFP to expand its operations providing nutrition to malnourished children under five and to pregnant and breastfeeding women, while UN OCHA will use its share to enhance co-ordination of humanitarian efforts across Gaza and the West Bank as relief work increases.

Since October 2023, Jersey has allocated £2.3 million to support trusted humanitarian organisations working in the region – including WFP, OCHA, MAP, and International Health Partners (IHP) – ensuring funds are channelled through agencies adhering to high standards of transparency and accountability.

The update comes just under a month after the UK formally recognised Palestine, provisionally along 1967 borders, before the Gaza Strip and West Bank were occupied.

Jersey’s Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, later told the States Assembly that the Island’s government – which previously joined global condemnation of the “human tragedy” in the region – supports the move.

As a ceasefire was confirmed last week, Deputy Farnham said he was “sure many Islanders will feel a deep sense of relief at this development, which offers renewed hope for peace and recovery”.

“The compassion and concern shown by our community reflect Jersey’s enduring values of humanity, empathy and solidarity. We now hope this marks the beginning of meaningful dialogue and lasting peace for all those who have suffered so greatly,” he added.