The prolonged humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and spillover to the West Bank, have left essential public services on the brink of collapse. Years of conflict have severely damaged infrastructure, leading to a critical shortage of medical services, clean water and effective waste management.

For millions of Palestinians, this means limited access to life-saving healthcare, unreliable water sources and growing public health risks due to the accumulation of solid waste.

In response, UNOPS is implementing a $12 million initiative generously funded by a grant aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Palestinian Authority. Working in partnership with the Palestinian Authority, UNOPS is coordinating with the Ministry of Health, the Palestinian Water Authority and the Ministry of Local Government to procure, deliver and install critical equipment.

Mitsutaka Hoshi, Chief Representative of JICA Palestine Office, said: “JICA is proud to partner with UNOPS on this vital Emergency Recovery Programme for essential public services in Gaza and the West Bank. This assistance is crucial for the immediate and sustained recovery for the Palestinians.”

UNOPS has already begun the delivery of steel water pipes to the West Bank, with future shipments set to include mobile clinics and solid waste management trucks.

In Gaza, the project will procure modular maternal and infant health pre-fabricated clinics, solarized reverse osmosis desalination plants, and equipment for water and sewage network repairs. Additionally, the project will deliver trucks and heavy machinery for solid waste management and rubble removal in Gaza.

“This much-needed equipment addresses immediate health needs while at the same time laying the groundwork for a sustained and structured recovery,” said Karuna Herrmann, Director of the UNOPS Office in Jerusalem.

“Our commitment extends to communities in the West Bank. With the support of JICA, we are enabling local authorities to scale up the provision of essential services,” she added.