Palestinian PM, UNDP Discuss Emergency Relief Efforts in Gaza and West Bank

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa met with the newly appointed UNDP Special Representative in Palestine, Jaco Cilliers, to discuss ongoing relief efforts and emergency response coordination in Gaza, amid worsening humanitarian conditions. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Stephane Salameh, and Minister of Social Development, Samah Hamad.

According to WAFA News Agency, the discussions focused on strengthening joint work with international relief organizations operating in Gaza, and improving coordination through the government’s central operations room overseeing emergency response.

Prime Minister Mustafa emphasized the critical role of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in supporting the Palestinian people, contributing to national development, and enhancing the capacity of state institutions through institutional reform and infrastructure support.

Urgent Appeal to Open Crossings into Gaza

Mustafa stressed the urgent need to intensify international pressure to fully open Gaza’s crossings to allow the entry of life-saving aid, warning of a deepening famine affecting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the besieged enclave.

He called for coordinated relief and emergency interventions, not only in Gaza but also in response to escalating violence in the West Bank, particularly the northern areas where Israeli forces and settlers have launched repeated raids, demolished refugee camps, and destroyed critical infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of supporting families affected by ongoing settler attacks and military operations, especially in Jerusalem and other vulnerable parts of the West Bank.