East Jerusalem - The United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany have signed an agreement to allocate EUR 5 million to urgently expand emergency response efforts addressing the solid waste management crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The project aims to alleviate immediate impacts of the waste crisis by prioritizing essential waste collection, the safe disposal of hazardous materials, and the resumption of waste management services to prevent further catastrophic consequences.

The ongoing conflict has led to the complete collapse of Gaza’s solid waste management system. With no access to the two primary sanitary landfills, waste is accumulating at over 141 temporary dumping sites as internally displaced persons (IDPs) move from place to place seeking refuge. This situation presents serious risks to public health, the environment, and the dignity of affected communities.

This crisis is particularly exacerbated by the looming humanitarian needs of the winter season where 21 dumping sites are in flood-prone areas. During the rainy season, hazardous substances, including untreated feces and medical waste, can leach into the soil, contaminating the aquifer. The crisis threatens irreversible environmental damage as contaminants seep into groundwater and the coastal marine environment. Beyond physical health concerns, unmanaged waste also exacerbates the psychological strain experienced by Gaza’s densely populated communities. 

“With Germany’s invaluable support, we can make meaningful strides in managing waste and reducing the risks to public health, the environment, and the dignity of affected communities caused by this crisis. UNDP/PAPP has been requested by the Humanitarian Coordinator to co-lead the Solid Waste Management Taskforce in Gaza, in collaboration with the WASH Cluster led by UNICEF. Since the onset of the war, we have provided emergency support to restore essential waste management services, enabling the collection of over 160,000 tonnes of waste across the area south of Wadi Gaza”, said Sarah Poole, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator / UNDP PAPP. “However, the needs remain vast. To continue this essential work, UNDP and its partners require safe access to major landfills, sustained fuel supplies, reliable access of materials and equipment into Gaza, and increased funding to ensure these services reach all impacted areas.”

Since October 7^th, Germany has facilitated more than EUR 300 million of humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. According to Oliver Owcza, German Representative to the Palestinian Territories, “the humanitarian needs in Gaza are unprecedented, and our current focus is to advocate for the resumption and safe distribution of essential goods in Northern-Gaza. Yet, ensuring minimal levels of waste-management and thus avoidance of disease-risks throughout the strip is likewise of high priority. Germany, therefore, is pleased to partner with UNDP in addressing this life-saving challenge."

This initiative aligns with the UN Humanitarian Country Team’s (HCT) priorities for Gaza. As the lead of the Solid Waste Management Taskforce, UNDP/PAPP is coordinating an integrated response to address these urgent needs. The project will be implemented in close partnership with the Joint Service Councils for Solid Waste Management in Khan Younis, Rafah, and the Middle Area (JSC-KRM), Gaza and North Gaza (JSC-GNG), as well as the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), the Environment Quality Authority (EQA), the Ministry of Health (MoH), UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO),  and other relevant partners.

For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org., Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761