Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry, on the Gaza reconstruction mechanism
Jerusalem, 4 November 2014
The United Nations continues to mobilize every effort to ensure this mechanism works for the benefit of Palestinians in Gaza and at a scale that will address Gaza's massive reconstruction needs. The mechanism is led by the Palestinian Government of National Consensus, working through Gaza's private sector. In this regard, it is essential that the implementation of the mechanism now be urgently accelerated in order to reach some 60,000 shelters in need of repair involving the use of cement or other dual-use materials in advance of the winter season. The UN is fully engaged towards completing the surveying of these 60,000 homes, including raising sufficient resources to help those in need. The Special Coordinator will continue his efforts in the coming days with the parties to urgently expedite this work.
In the absence of viable alternatives, the UN views the temporary reconstruction mechanism as an important step towards the lifting of all closures on Gaza in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1860 (2009). With the mechanism becoming operational, it is all the more important for donors to honor their pledges at the Cairo conference to fund much needed infrastructure projects and to address the urgent electricity and water needs for Gaza.
For reconstruction to be implemented at the required pace, the Government of National Consensus must also be empowered to assume its rightful responsibilities in Gaza. The Special Coordinator therefore calls on all parties concerned to cooperate and urgently address important issues, such as the transfer of full control over the crossings to the Government and conducting in good faith civil service reform, including in the security sector.
ENDS
Murad Bakri Public Information Officer Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) Tel: +972-2-5687287 Mobile: +972-54-5627815 E-mail: bakri1@un.org www.unsco.org