Ramallah – Under the auspices and in the presence of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, the United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) and the Arab and International Organization to Construct in Palestine (AIOCP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in early recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip, under the guidance of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. 

The MoU was signed by H.E. Minister of Public Works and Housing, Eng. Ahed Besaiso; UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator, Ms. Sarah Poole; and AIOCP Legal Advisor, Mr. Mohammad Abu Zaid, who signed on behalf of the Chairman of AIOCP’s Board of Trustees, former Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Taher Al-Masri, who joined the ceremony via video conference. Also in attendance were H.E. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Wael Zaqout; H.E. Minister of Social Development and Relief, Samah Hamad; and Prime Minister’s Advisor for Arab and Islamic Funds, Nasser Qatami.

This partnership reflects the commitment of UNDP and AIOCP to support the Palestinian government’s early recovery efforts, strengthening governmental response mechanisms, and ensuring that interventions align with Palestinian national priorities. 

As part of this partnership, the AIOCP foresees the temporary employment of 700 field engineers across various specializations, while together we will conduct comprehensive damage assessments of public infrastructure, main roads, and the housing sector, and standardizing data collection methodologies to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the MoU focuses on exploring opportunities for a stronger coordination to advance debris removal and rubble management by identifying priority areas, designating collection sites, and promoting recycling efforts that align with community needs and rights.

Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa emphasized that the agreement strengthens the government’s efforts in on-the-ground emergency response to address urgent humanitarian needs, complementing the ongoing work of the governmental emergency operations room, which brings together over 30 ministries and governmental agencies alongside UN and international relief partners.

“The Palestinian government has developed an initial six-month plan to address urgent needs, alongside a three-year recovery plan to transition from relief to economic revitalization and early recovery, leading to a full reconstruction effort over ten years. This comprehensive program was developed in coordination with the World Bank, the European Union, and the United Nations,” Mustafa stated. 

UNDP/PAPP Special Representative, Ms. Sarah Poole reiterated UNDP’s collective commitment to Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction, emphasizing the massive challenges ahead.

“The destruction in Gaza has left countless families without shelter, essential services in crisis, and an economy struggling to survive. Yet, at UNDP, we stand firmly with the Palestinian people and government in their efforts to rebuild lives, restore dignity, and create pathways for a more resilient future,” Poole stated.

She affirmed UNDP’s readiness to support Palestinian national institutions with expertise, tools, and technical capabilities to ensure that recovery efforts are effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

“We are implementing interventions valued at approximately $40 million for programming related to priorities including debris and rubble removal, temporary shelter, damage assessment, and other technical assistance efforts, and the partnership with the AIOCP will help us to advance our work and expand our support to communities in need,” Poole added.

In his address, Dr. Taher Al-Masri, Chairman of AIOCP, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that “our duty extends beyond Gaza to rebuilding all of Palestine, with the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state on its national land.” 

“We aspire to do even more. The Palestinian people will not leave their land, and, God willing, reconstruction will continue. The resilience of our people has become legendary worldwide,” he added. This agreement marks a significant step in coordinating collective efforts for Gaza’s early recovery, reaffirming all stakeholders’ commitment to ensuring a well-coordinated response that meets urgent needs and lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and sustainable development.

The partnership will look into new ways to address urgent housing needs by providing temporary and diverse housing solutions for the most vulnerable groups, ensuring the effective management of temporary housing sites. It will also support community awareness campaigns which will be conducted to foster trust and transparency between local communities and key early recovery actors.

Both parties will work closely with relevant governmental and international stakeholders to ensure an effective response that meets urgent needs and establishes the foundation for sustainable recovery.