RAMALLAH (Agencies): The Palestinian Government continues its emergency interventions in the Gaza Strip, coordinated through the Government Operations Room for Emergency Interventions. This initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, aims to sustain efforts based on the Relief, Early Recovery, and Emergency Response Plan for Gaza.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa visited the Operations Room, which includes representatives from over 20 official institutions and remains in continuous session. During his visit, Dr. Mustafa reviewed the progress of the emergency response plan and coordination of humanitarian and relief interventions via video conferencing with field teams in Gaza. He highlighted the need for collective support from civil society, the private sector, and international partners to implement the interventions and response plan.
The operations room has identified preliminary sites for sheltering displaced people and formed a task force to put in place implementation plans for debris removal. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society presented ongoing efforts to restore health services, including the activation of 26 medical points, relocation of a field hospital, and coordination with international organizations for aid entry.
Key Recent Government Interventions:
- Damage Assessment and Reconstruction: A damage assessment program involving 700 engineers has been launched, paving the way for recovery and reconstruction.
- International Engagements: Meetings with international partners, including Sigrid Kaag and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, focused on coordinating joint efforts for relief and recovery.
- Humanitarian Aid Provision: Delivery of 200 pallets of winter clothing and other emergency aid to displaced Palestinians.
- Emergency Water Supply: Providing 10,000 liters of emergency fuel to operate water wells and pumps, and installing a new water supply line in Khan Younis.
- Debris Removal: Ongoing project to remove rubble and reopen major roads in northern Gaza.
- Telecommunications Services: Resumption of operations by telecom companies in Rafah and northern Gaza.
- Education Support: Development of supplementary learning materials and support for supplementary education centers.
- Electricity Restoration: Initiation of preparations to restore electricity, including solar energy systems and generators.
- Employment Programs: Launch of a temporary employment program and training initiatives.
- Health Sector Coordination: Meeting with UN agencies to coordinate relief efforts in the health sector.
- Solid Waste Management: Preparations for Japan’s Grant Aid project to support solid waste management.
- International Development Cooperation: Discussions with international partners to enhance support for the Gaza Strip.
- Cultural Heritage Preservation: Emergency project to restore the Qaisariya Market.
- Cultural Support Initiatives: Funding cycle to support individual cultural initiatives.
Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and called for continued support to implement the government’s response plan.