World bank

‘Rebuilding a country the size of Syria means contracts worth billions of dollars,’ expert says

Renewed attention to reconstruction opportunities is colliding with unresolved sanctions exposure, weak institutions, damaged infrastructure, and uncertainty over Syria’s political future

Syrians gather to mark the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against the ousted President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syria March 15, 2026.
US President Donald Trump holds a signed resolution, during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, February 19, 2026.

Trump's Board of Peace's official fund receives 'zero dollars' despite billions pledged - report

 A participant stands near a logo of the World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, October 12, 2018

World Bank warns of 16% rise in commodity pricing over Hormuz closure

A woman walks on a street with shuttered doors in Tehran on Sunday.

A new Marshall Plan: Israel, Gulf States in a new Middle East development plan - opinion


Poorer nations begin slicing educational funding amid coronavirus

For comparison, before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, wealthier countries had been spending an average of $8,500 per child compared to $48 in lower income countries.

A teacher walks in a classroom with students keeping social distancing in a public school, after the reactivation of face-to-face classes, amidst an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Bogota, Colombia February 15, 2021

Palestinian COVID vaccine plan faces large funding gap, World Bank says

The Palestinians began vaccinations this month and have received small donations from Israel, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

A participant stands near a logo of World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018

World Bank provides Lebanon with $34M to buy vaccines

As new infections rise in the region, Jordan announced that it is vaccinating refugees alongside the rest of the population

People walk along an empty street near al-Amin mosque, as Lebanon imposed a partial lockdown for two weeks starting on Friday in an effort to counter the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which have spiralled since the catastrophic explosion at Beirut port, Lebanon August 21, 2020

Sudan welcomes US move to clear $1 bln in arrears to World Bank

The move allows Sudan to access $1.5 billion annually in funds from the International Development Association (IDA), which is an arm of the World Bank.

Sudan's Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, and Chad President Idriss Deby attend the signing of peace agreement between the Sudan's transitional government and Sudanese revolutionary movements to end decades-old conflict, in Juba, South Sudan

Jewish philanthropist, former Gaza envoy James Wolfensohn dies at 86

Wolfensohn was his entire life also devoted to Jewish giving. The family foundation he set up, administered by his children, gave to a broad array of Jewish causes across denominations.

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat (R) greets World Bank President James Wolfensohn at Arafat's office in Gaza City July 22, 1999.FILE PHOTO: Palestinian President Yasser Arafat (R) greets World Bank President James Wolfensohn at Arafat's office in Gaza City July 22, 1999.

World Bank warns of $760m. Palestinian Authority funding deficit in 2020

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the PA could be forced to cut basic services, including medical ones, unless it found a way to make up the shortfall.

A participant stands near a logo of World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018

World Bank cancels loan for Lebanese dam, effective immediately

The World Bank began raising concerns in January about Lebanon's plans to build the large dam in the Bisri Valley, and put funding for the program under partial suspension on June 26.

A demonstrator holds the Lebanese flag in Martyrs' Square where protests are held following Tuesday's blast in Beirut, Lebanon August 9, 2020

World Bank grants $30m. to Palestinians economically harmed by COVID-19

According to the World Bank at least 68,000 Palestinian household have been harmed economically by the pandemic.

World Bank building entrance 370

World Bank invests $15m. to boost Palestinian IT sector, create jobs

The new project aims to help create more high-quality jobs in the Palestinian IT sector, as well as help boost the capabilities of existing firms in the field.

Computer keyboard [illustrative].

World Bank: Palestinian economy could contract by 11% due to COVID-19

In 2019 the Palestinian economy grew by only 1% due in part to low levels of investment, movement restriction, poor tax collection and a stand-off between the PA and Israel.

A Palestinian man waits at a counter to make a withdrawal at the Housing Bank for Trade & Finance in the West Bank city of Ramallah January 22, 2013