RAMALLAH, July 7, 2026 (WAFA) – 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 was.
Signed via the video conference in the presence of Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi with funds from the German government through the UNDP, the agreement was signed by UNDP's Special Representative to the Administrator in the Palestinian Territory, Jaco Cilliers, and Deir al-Balah Mayor Khalil Abu Samra, in the presence of UNDP Director Amjad Al-Shawa.
The agreement aims to support the implementation of the Municipality's 100-day recovery plan by enabling it to lead early recovery efforts and restore basic services. The support package includes the rehabilitation of municipal infrastructure, facilities, and services; the creation of temporary employment opportunities and support for local economic activity; addressing the shelter needs of the most affected groups; and strengthening governance and institutional capacities to enhance the Municipality's ability to lead recovery efforts in partnership with the local community, government institutions, and international partners.
Prime Minister Mustafa reiterated President Mahmoud Abbas' and the government's commitment to offering ongoing support to the Gaza Strip municipalities through the government and the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF), in cooperation with donors, to ensure the implementation of the municipality's current plan and the sustainability of future support.
He expressed appreciation for the support provided by the German government, the UNDP, and international organizations despite the exceptional circumstances.
He stressed that the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, constitute a single state governed by the same set of institutions and laws. He affirmed the government's continued engagement with all partners to serve the Palestinian people in Gaza, strengthen national unity, and move forward with completing local council elections.
He added that elections in two areas of the Gaza Strip will be announced soon despite the ongoing challenges.
K.F.
