EU pledges over $8.3 billion for global humanitarian needs in 2024

The European Union (EU) on March 18 pledged to spend an initial 7.7 billion euros ($8.39 billion) in humanitarian aid in 2024, lower than last year, despite soaring needs in the Gaza Strip and elsewhere.

Speaking at the opening of a humanitarian conference in Brussels, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said the amount was fixed, but it was possible that the EU would support more than that.

Last year, the total amount committed by EU member states and the European Commission (EC) was 8.4 billion euros.

Commissioner Lenarcic did not give a reason for the bloc's reduction in humanitarian aid contributions this year.

Meanwhile, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stressed that there are now more people in need of urgent assistance and this is an unprecedented number.

The situation in the Gaza Strip is particularly serious, he added.

The people of this Mediterranean territory are no longer on the brink of famine but are actually starving.

The two-day humanitarian conference is expected to focus on finding ways to mobilize more aid for Gaza.

EU foreign ministers will also discuss the issue of bringing more aid into the strip, by land, sea or air.

The United Nations says there are now a record 300 million people in need of humanitarian assistance worldwide, driven largely by conflict and climate change.

The United Nations estimates the global humanitarian aid shortfall is now close to $50 billion.