Deir al-balah: Under the patronage and in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, Deir al-Balah Municipality and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday signed a $2.5 million agreement to support the Municipality's 100-Day Plan. The agreement was signed via video conference, attended by Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi, with funds sourced from the German government through the UNDP. UNDP's Special Representative to the Administrator in the Palestinian Territory, Jaco Cilliers, and Deir al-Balah Mayor Khalil Abu Samra were the signatories, in the presence of UNDP Director Amjad Al-Shawa.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the agreement aims to assist in implementing the Municipality's 100-day recovery plan. It focuses on enabling early recovery efforts and restoring basic services. The support package is set to cover rehabilitation of municipal infrastructure, facilities, and services. It also includes the creation of temporary employment opportunities, support for local economic activity, addressing shelter needs for the most affected groups, and strengthening governance and institutional capacities. This will enhance the Municipality's ability to lead recovery efforts in collaboration with the local community, government institutions, and international partners.
Prime Minister Mustafa reiterated the commitment of President Mahmoud Abbas and the government to provide ongoing support to the Gaza Strip municipalities. This will be achieved through the government and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF), in cooperation with donors, to ensure the plan's implementation and sustain future support. He expressed appreciation for the support offered by the German government, the UNDP, and international organizations, given the challenging circumstances.
Mustafa emphasized that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, are part of a single state governed by the same set of institutions and laws. He affirmed the government's dedication to engaging with all partners to serve the Palestinian people in Gaza, strengthen national unity, and advance local council elections. Further, he mentioned that elections in two areas of the Gaza Strip will be announced soon, despite ongoing challenges.