United Nations Development Programme

Early recovery in the Gaza Strip is a multi-dimensional process that establishes the foundations for longer-term reconstruction and development by supporting and generating self-sustaining processes for post-crisis recovery, planning and financing. From its basis as a renewed commitment to the development objectives articulated prior to December 27th, 2008, early recovery aims – among other activities – to restore access, movement and basic services; reduce additional risk and vulnerability; reconstruct and restore infrastructure, livelihoods ; decontaminate the environment; and rebuild social cohesion, including through the return of displaced people.

While it will start in a humanitarian setting, early recovery in Gaza is guided by development principles that seek to build on humanitarian programmes and catalyze sustainable development opportunities. It aims to generate self sustaining, locally owned, resilient processes for post crisis recovery.

UNDP's Response

The Gaza Strip has been the centre of conflict for decades. On December 27th, 2008, the Israeli military launched a large-scale operation against Hamas, resulting in a dramatic deterioration in the living conditions of the Gazan population, already in a state of deprivation following an 18-month-long blockade of the Gaza Strip during which almost no development assistance could be delivered.

In response to the complex set of problems facing the Gaza Strip, UNDP, distributed food packages to over 30,000 Palestinians not served by UNRWA, in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, Rafah and Gaza City. Funded by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nehayan Foundation, in partnership with the Palestinian Association for Development and Reconstruction – PADR/Gaza, the food aid programme delivered US$500,000 in emergency relief.

In its capacity as co-lead of the UN early recovery team, UNDP is working with the Palestinian Authority, and national and international partners to assess damages and needs, and devise plans for rebuilding. UNDP has mobilized its team in the occupied Palestinian territory and deployed early recovery experts to assist in rapid assessments in Gaza. These assessments set the basis for recovery and reconstruction and will feed into the Palestinian Authority’s Gaza Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan.

 In addition, UNDP has commissioned a household survey in order to understand the recovery priorities of the Palestinian people living in Gaza. Initial findings indicate that Gaza’s economy will require significant aid and will take years to fully recover. The survey, with a random sample size of 1,815 households from the five governorates of the Gaza Strip, revealed that two thirds of Gazans are currently living below the poverty line and the latest round of violence has exacerbated this situation.

In february, UNDP has also signed an agreement with the Palestinian Authority and is providing a total contribution of US$50 million to fund cash assistance packages to the Gazans population. The initial phase of the package has already been implemented at the cost of US$ 20.3 million.

In addition, UNDP has recently signed an agreement with the Palestinian Authority (PA) with total contribution of US$ 270 million to fund compensations for damaged agricultural property in Gaza. With its initial phase, totalling US$ 109 million, the project aims at compensating farmers in the Gaza Strip for their direct losses as a result of the 22 days of military operations which targeted Gaza most recently. Fourteen thousand farmers will benefit from the initial phase of the agreement.