East Jerusalem / Africazine /
In a significant move towards addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, Germany has announced a substantial pledge of €6 million (€6M) to bolster the UN2720 Mechanism. This initiative is specifically designed to facilitate the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid to the region, which has been facing increasingly complex challenges. Kicking off this partnership, the agreement was officially signed between the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the German government, reinforcing their commitment to align with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023).
The newly established resolution sets forth an operational framework aimed at combating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Central to this initiative is the appointment of a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza (SHRC), who will oversee the operations and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. UNOPS will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and managing this mechanism under the direction of the SHRC.
One of the major focuses of the UN2720 Mechanism is to streamline aid delivery through well-defined corridors situated in Jordan, Cyprus, and Egypt. As part of this effort, the initiative is exploring additional pathways to ensure that help reaches the affected populations in a timely manner. The generous financial aid from Germany will enhance a variety of crucial programs, including logistics support that facilitates the procurement of trucks for UN organizations operating within Gaza. Moreover, the funding will enable efficient aid shipments from Jordan through the Jordan Hashemite Charitable Organization (JHCO).
But that’s not all – operational efficiency will also be a major component, covering costs such as fuel to maintain seamless operation along the Jordanian corridor. Additionally, infrastructure enhancements are included in the plan, which aims to set up truck holding areas at the Allenby Bridge and Al Ghabawi to expedite the delivery of aid.
Karuna Herrmann, UNOPS Director in Jerusalem, expressed gratitude for the contribution, stating, “This generous contribution from Germany is a critical boost to the UN2720 Mechanism, enabling us to strengthen our capacity to deliver life-saving aid to those who need it most.” Echoing this sentiment, Ulrike Borrmann, Deputy Head of the German Representative Office to the Palestinian Territories, highlighted the urgency of the humanitarian situation, remarking, “The humanitarian needs in Gaza are unprecedented. Germany is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of essential goods to Palestinians in northern Gaza and beyond.”
This substantial partnership between Germany and UNOPS is set to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the mechanism, paving the way for improved aid flows into Gaza. By fostering sustainable infrastructure and efficient project management, UNOPS continues to play a crucial role in delivering assistance in areas affected by crises.
For more information on their initiatives and how they contribute to peace and development, visit www.unops.org.
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