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U.S. Recasts UN Relief With $2 Billion OCHA Pledge, Leaving Out Gaza and Afghanistan

The commitment routes money through OCHA’s pooled funds to give Washington tighter control over where UN aid flows.

Overview

  • Announced in Geneva, the binding $2 billion per year will be funneled through OCHA-managed mechanisms, including the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund.
  • Funding will be steered to a preselected group of 17 countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Syria, with Afghanistan, Gaza and Yemen excluded from this channel.
  • State Department representative Jeremy Lewin said the total could increase if reforms are made at OCHA, reflecting priorities set by President Donald Trump.
  • UN figures show a deepening gap, with a 2025 appeal of more than $45 billion drawing about $12 billion and only 98 million people reached, leading to a smaller $23 billion appeal for 2026 to assist 87 million.
  • Lewin said Gaza will be addressed on a separate track, noting more than $300 million already approved for UN operations after the ceasefire and efforts to mobilize a dedicated donor fund.