SAMARKAND, June 6, 2026 (WAFA) – Head of the Environment Quality Authority, Zaghloul Samhan, met with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Inger Andersen to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in key environmental priority areas for the State of Palestine, on the sidelines of the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly, currently taking place in the Uzbek city of Samarkand.

During the meeting, Samhan outlined the key environmental challenges confronting Palestine and highlighted ongoing Israeli violations affecting the Palestinian environment, including the exploitation of natural resources, land confiscation, colonial expansion, and environmental pollution.

He also drew attention to the environmental repercussions of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the extensive damage it has caused to infrastructure and environmental resources.

Samhan emphasized the importance of ensuring that Palestinian environmental concerns remain prominently represented within the agendas of international institutions and environmental programs.

He further underscored the need for increased technical and financial assistance to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to address environmental and climate-related challenges, bolster the resilience of local communities, and safeguard natural resources.

The discussions also explored opportunities for expanded cooperation in climate change adaptation, waste management, biodiversity conservation, institutional capacity-building, and the development of environmental initiatives that support sustainable development objectives.

For her part, Andersen reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to continued cooperation with the State of Palestine and to supporting efforts aimed at advancing the sustainable management of natural resources and strengthening institutional and technical capacities, contributing to efforts to address environmental challenges and promote long-term sustainability.

T.R.