TL;DR: Saudi Arabia has announced $90 million in financial aid for the Palestinian Authority as part of a new international coalition launched at the UN to support a two-state solution and address humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank.
📌 Aid Announcement
- On September 25, 2025, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced a $90 million aid package for the Palestinian Authority during a UN General Assembly press conference in New York.
- The aid is the first contribution under a newly formed “Emergency International Coalition” aimed at supporting Palestinian governance and humanitarian needs.
📌 Coalition and Purpose
- The coalition was co-launched by Saudi Arabia, the EU, and Norway, based on the New York Declaration, promoting a two-state solution and an end to Israeli occupation.
- The funds will help the Palestinian Authority maintain essential services amid budget shortfalls and withheld tax revenues by Israel.
📌 Humanitarian Context
- The PA is facing delayed school openings, medicine shortages, and rising poverty due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
- The $90 million adds to over $5 billion in Saudi aid since October 2023. Additional contributions from Germany and Spain bring total recent pledges to $170 million.
📌 Global and Regional Reactions
- 159 UN member states now recognize Palestine; international support is growing for Palestinian statehood.
- Arab and Islamic countries raised concerns about Israeli annexation plans during meetings with President Donald Trump in New York.
- The U.S. has proposed a 21-point plan including a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction.
📌 Criticism and Public Sentiment
- Some social media users and analysts questioned the aid’s impact, calling it symbolic without political recognition or enforcement.
- @TheDataHubX stated: “The aid lacks impact without Saudi recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.”
- Others urged consistent political action alongside financial assistance.
📌 Current Status
- As of September 26, 2025, the aid's disbursement is in its early stages, with implementation details pending.
- Heavy scrutiny continues over how funds will be used and whether they will reach civilians amid ongoing conflict.