Statement by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner on the ceasefire in Gaza
January 19, 2025
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) welcomes the beginning of the ceasefire in Gaza as an important step toward ending the tragic cycle of violence and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
UNDP, through its Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP), and as part of overall UN efforts, is committed to supporting the humanitarian response to the people of Palestine through critical interventions including clearing rubble, emergency employment, transitional shelter, and support for public services.
Based on extensive assessments and consultations including with the Palestinian Authority, our ongoing efforts to restore livelihoods, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, and support locally driven solutions will be intensified as part of our early recovery and longer-term development work.
Rapid and unhindered facilitation of access to goods is essential, along with a secure and supportive environment to restore services, resume economic activities, and scale up recovery efforts.
Critical humanitarian assistance must be supported by early recovery efforts while addressing the staggering loss in human development across the occupied Palestinian territory. Our projections indicate that as a result of the conflict, development in Gaza has been set back by a staggering 69 years. UNDP remains steadfast in its commitment to Palestinian-led recovery efforts that foster dignity, self-reliance and socio-economic stability for the Palestinian people.