Based on the KIEP Report: “Analysis of Trends in International Humanitarian Aid for Gaza and the West Bank”
The Israel-Hamas war, which broke out in October 2023, has further deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. Even before the war, these regions were suffering from severe economic hardships and social instability.
The war has pushed issues such as poverty, food insecurity, and shortages of essential medical and daily supplies to extreme levels. Despite ongoing support from the international community, many residents continue to suffer, requiring substantial and practical solutions.
Before the war, 81.5% of Gaza’s population was already living in poverty, and 63% faced food insecurity, reflecting a grave humanitarian crisis.
However, the war has exacerbated these challenges. Approximately 66% of key infrastructure has been destroyed, and shortages of water and electricity have pushed living conditions to their worst state. Post-war, daily water consumption decreased by 94% compared to pre-war levels, and the healthcare system has been paralyzed.
Meanwhile, the West Bank is also facing a worsening humanitarian crisis due to Israeli military operations and violence from settlers. Although conditions in the West Bank are better than in Gaza, international aid remains essential.
According to the report, the international community is making multifaceted efforts for emergency relief and reconstruction. Key donor countries such as Qatar, Germany, the UAE, and the United States are cooperating with international organizations to expand aid in areas such as food, healthcare, and water resources. Notably, Qatar and the UAE are leveraging their regional political influence to provide large-scale support, which plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Gaza and the West Bank.
South Korea has also actively participated in supporting Gaza and the West Bank as part of the international community. Over the past five years, South Korea has provided approximately $6.32 million in humanitarian aid and announced a $10 million emergency aid plan following the war. The country has focused its support on education, healthcare, and administrative sectors, striving to enhance transparency and efficiency through cooperation with international organizations. However, the report points out that South Korea’s support is still insufficient, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach given the severity of the humanitarian crisis.
Moving forward, South Korea must not only increase the scale of its aid but also establish a more systematic and sustainable direction for its support. The report suggests strengthening the linkage between humanitarian aid, development, and peace (HDP) to expand its role within the international community. Additionally, it recommends focusing on key areas such as food, water, and healthcare while enhancing transparency and efficiency through collaboration with international organizations and regional countries.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank is a critical challenge that both the international community and South Korea must address together. Drawing on its past experiences of overcoming the pains of war, South Korea has the opportunity to act as a leader in peacebuilding within the international community.
Separately, diplomatic relations are highly dynamic and can shift significantly depending on the strategic circumstances and conditions of the countries involved. Recently, South Korea established diplomatic ties with Cuba, a country that had long been considered an adversary. Despite systemic differences and barriers, South Korea provided humanitarian aid to Cuba during its time of crisis.
This example of support and cooperation at a lower level has shown how such efforts can lead to positive diplomatic developments, as seen in the case of relations with Cuba.
Rather than approaching global political structures and international relations with fixed notions, South Korea should strategically view and respond to humanitarian aid within the rapidly changing dynamics of global politics.
