UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza: Update on Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023) – As of 02 September 2024

11 September 2024

Mandate

In accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 (2023), the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza (SHRC) is responsible for facilitating, coordinating, monitoring and verifying the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The Office is also tasked with establishing a UN mechanism dedicated to accelerating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports the SHRC with the operationalization of the UN 2720 Mechanism. The objective is to make the aid delivery process faster, more efficient, and directly beneficial to civilians in need.

Key Highlights

The SHRC’s good offices and engagement with the parties, key Member States and other stakeholders at the highest political level further to resolution 2720 have inter alia contributed to/resulted in:

Improving Access: Following the opening of the Zikim and Erez crossings for direct entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza from the North, as well as the use of the port of Ashdod, the Office continues engaging with all relevant Member States and parties to advance the opening and reopening of additional crossings into Gaza to ensure the urgent increase of aid.

Delivery of Critical Supplies: OSHRC’s diplomatic efforts and high-level engagement have secured access and delivery to Gaza of critical humanitarian items in the areas of health, waste management, education and WASH supplies in support of UN Funds and Programmes and other humanitarian partners, to address the needs of vulnerable populations (including women, children and people with disabilities) and the broader civilian population in Gaza.

Enhancing Logistical Capacities by expanding the volume of aid passing through the Jordan corridor. This includes the procurement of additional trucks through the UN2720 Mechanism, ensuring a steady and increased supply of essential goods.

Facilitating Maritime Corridor Discussions: In cooperation with the Government of Cyprus, the SHRC brings together Member States and humanitarian partners to explore options for sustaining the Cyprus Maritime Corridor, with considerations for establishing a direct route to Gaza. This initiative is vital for maintaining and potentially increasing humanitarian aid flows by sea.

Enabling Environment for Humanitarian Assistance: The SHRC reminds parties at the highest political level of their obligations under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for people in need, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and assets.

Preparations for Ceasefire: The Mission is consulting with key parties and within the UN to ensure preparedness for a ceasefire by prepositioning supplies and utilizing all aid routes into Gaza. At the request of involved parties, the Mission has submitted proposals to address critical issues, including reopening the Rafah Border Crossing, and on creating an environment conducive to humanitarian work.

Operationalization of UN 2720 Mechanism

The UN 2720 Mechanism for Gaza foresees the entry of aid via several land and sea routes.

The Mechanism was activated from Cyprus on 26 April. On 6 June, it began receiving requests from Jordan. Since 4 August, requests have been received from the West Bank and Israel.

On 13 August, the Egyptian authorities approved the data sharing and coordination with the Mechanism via the Egyptian Red Crescent.

Contingent on the security environment and other considerations, “2720 monitors” will be stationed at critical junction points of each route to support the verification of goods entering the Gaza Strip. These deployments allow for the tracking and verification of aid delivered to Gaza.

The data collected provides an overview of the volume of aid consignments and status of the requests registered under the Mechanism. The dashboard was shared for feedback with partners and donors in Cairo and Amman.

Several Members States have contributed to the Mechanism. To date, the Mechanism has received a total of USD 21 million, against the original budget of USD 61.2 million. The current donors are: the Netherlands (USD 7.2 million), the United Arab Emirates (USD 5 million), Australia (USD 1.3 million), Denmark (USD 2 million), Estonia (USD 30,000), New Zealand (USD 1.2 million), and the Minderoo Foundation (USD 4 million). Additional pledges, totaling USD 6.93 million, are currently being negotiated with the donors (Canada: USD 3.66 million, Germany: USD 6.64 million).

Through the Department of State, the United States has provided a stand-alone contribution of USD 70 million in support of the Jordan Corridor. This contribution provides additionality to the overall budget and secures the majority of the needs for full functioning of the Jordan Corridor.