Today, I visited Al-Arish (Egypt) and Gaza with my colleague Sigrid Kaag, new Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza.

UNOPS was recently assigned by the UN Secretary-General to:

• support the operationalization of the Office of the new Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza; 

• and to operationalize and manage the new UN mechanism aiming to facilitate, coordinate, monitor, and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza. 

Today, I wanted to assess the challenges and identify potential operational solutions to increase volume, speed and impact of aid into Gaza. Before entering Gaza we had constructive discussions with the government of Egypt - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense and Minister of Social Solidarity - as well as the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Today, I also had the chance to meet some colleagues of my courageous UNOPS team in Gaza. I want again to recognize their commitment and dedication as they continue to support the implementation of critical UNOPS projects on the ground despite the severe conditions in Gaza.

At this time, together with UNRWA, we are procuring and delivering fuel to enable humanitarian response in critical sectors such as health, food, water, sanitation and hygiene. In addition, UNOPS is providing operational support to the UN mine action team – enhancing the security of high-risk UN and WHO missions across Gaza, and bringing mattresses and blankets for distribution to affected communities. On behalf of OCHA, we continue to coordinate and manage access to Gaza through the Access Coordination Unit.

In Gaza, the ability to deliver even basic aid has been decimated by intense hostilities, restrictions on movement, fuel shortages, and disruptions in communications.

Against unimaginable hardship, UNOPS is committed to staying and delivering for the people of Gaza, enabling access, enhancing security, and working towards sustainable peace and development.