Immediately after the Arab-Israeli hostilities of 1948, emergency assistance to Palestine refugees was provided by international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, League of Red Cross Societies and the American Friends Service Committee.
Most funding comes from voluntary contributions of donor states.
Other major donors include the Gulf Arab States, Scandinavian countries, Japan and Canada. A small portion comes from non-governmental organizations and concerned individuals. Traditionally, the USA has been the largest donor, followed by the European Commission. However, in terms of donations relative to population size and GDP per capita, the Scandinavian countries, Canada and the Netherlands top the list. However, the United Nations finances all international staff posts from its regular budget.