IMF calls for ceasefire in Gaza to boost regional economy

The IMF urges a ceasefire in Gaza to promote regional stability and improve the economies of neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Syria, highlighting the key role of cooperation in overcoming financial and social crises
<p>La directora gerente del FMI y el Banco Mundial, Kristalina Georgieva, asiste a una conferencia de prensa en las Reuniones Anuales del FMI y el Banco Mundial en Washington, D.C., EE. UU., el 16 de octubre de 2025 - REUTERS/ ELIZABETH FRANTZ</p>
IMF and World Bank Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva attends a news conference at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 16, 2025 - REUTERS/ ELIZABETH FRANTZ
  1. IMF calls for ceasefire in Gaza
  2. Impact of the ceasefire on the regional economy
  3. IMF cooperation with neighbouring countries

IMF calls for ceasefire in Gaza

The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, called for the ceasefire in Gaza to be firmly maintained, emphasising the advantages that stable peace can bring to the entire region.

During the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington, she expressed her relief at the recent cessation of hostilities in the Palestinian enclave, a conflict that has lasted two years and affected many people.

Georgieva emphasised that moving towards sustainable peace is essential and that all actors involved must continue in that direction to achieve collective benefits in a territory with multiple political and economic challenges.

<p>El logotipo del Fondo Monetario Internacional se ve dentro de la sede al final de las reuniones anuales del FMI/Banco Mundial en Washington, EE. UU. - REUTERS/ YURI GRIPAS</p>
El logotipo del Fondo Monetario Internacional se ve dentro de la sede al final de las reuniones anuales del FMI/Banco Mundial en Washington, EE. UU. - REUTERS/ YURI GRIPAS

Impact of the ceasefire on the regional economy

The reduction in tensions would not only have a positive effect on Gaza, but also on neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, where the IMF has active programmes.

In addition, nations such as Lebanon and Syria, which have requested international assistance, would also experience a favourable impact.

According to Georgieva, ‘there will be a peace dividend for all,’ indicating that stability facilitates economic and financial support from international organisations.

This improvement in the regional climate would allow support and aid to be more effective and viable, accelerating recovery and development in these nations affected by different crises.

IMF cooperation with neighbouring countries

The International Monetary Fund is collaborating with Lebanon, which has requested a loan programme to address its severe economic crisis, the result of years of excessive spending and mismanagement that culminated in a financial collapse in 2019.

Kristalina Georgieva expressed hope that this programme could be finalised soon, although she did not reveal any specific details.

Meanwhile, Syria has requested support to rebuild its central bank and strengthen other key institutions, and already has an IMF team working in the region.

In addition, Lebanon's Minister of Economy stated that they are in daily contact with the IMF to manage the necessary aid and combat the financial difficulties still faced by its citizens, especially after the banking crisis that left many people without access to their deposits.