The initiative responds to priorities identified by the Palestinian Authority and will be implemented in close coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other relevant Palestinian and international partners, each within their respective mandates. UNDP's role focuses on strengthening the technical and operational capacities that support a coordinated, nationally led approach to the dignified recovery and identification of human remains as part of broader debris management efforts.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP/PAPP Special Representative of the Administrator, said: “Over 61 million tons of debris are cluttering the Gaza Strip – hindering access to roads, services and land. Through this partnership, UNDP and the European Union are clearing the path to recovery and establishing the facilities necessary to ensure families receive the closure needed to begin their healing process.”

Ambassador Alexandre Stutzmann, EU Representative: “ This project is another tangible demonstration of the European Union’s commitment and readiness to support Gaza’s early recovery. As foundational priorities, debris clearance and forensics are vital, practical steps towards helping people reclaim their neighbourhoods, restoring access to essential services, and creating the conditions for families to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. These efforts are essential to supporting humanitarian response, early recovery, sustainability, and resilience in the Gaza Strip. As part of a Team Europe initiative, the European Union remains committed to restoring public health, enabling reconstruction, and supporting early recovery and well-being of the Palestinian people in Gaza”.

For further information, please contact:

Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 54-5748761  For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org