Press Release

Statement by Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

20 January 2025

Within the humanitarian system, we have ramped up our readiness ahead of the ceasefire. The United Nations and our partners now stand ready to leverage this opportunity for large-scale relief, as every second counts.

I acknowledge the constructive discussions held with the mediators in Cairo and the agreements reached on implementing humanitarian components of the first phase, including the provision of supplies as essential as water, food, health and shelter to people across Gaza and the long-awaited release of hostages.

I extend my gratitude to the mediators and all parties involved for entrusting the United Nations and our partners with contributing to the delivery of humanitarian assistance outlined in the agreement.

Achieving the targets that have been set will require a collective effort. As the Humanitarian Coordinator, I reaffirm our commitment to successful implementation. We remain equally dedicated to supporting efforts that pave the way for a second phase and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

I call upon the mediators, the parties involved, our partners, community leaders, and the international community, including donors, to work together for effective and timely implementation, guided by the shared goal of saving lives and addressing people’s needs efficiently, meaningfully and in line with humanitarian principles.

Muhannad Hadi

Muhannad Hadi

RCO
Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
Having served since 2020 as the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Mr. Hadi brings more than 30 years of extensive international experience in humanitarian affairs and development work. Prior to this, Mr. Hadi served as the World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, the WFP Regional Emergency Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, and the WFP Representative/Country Director in Syria. Mr. Hadi began his career in 1990 with the International Committee of the Red Cross and has since worked for WFP in Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, and Syria.

Mr. Hadi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from the University of Alabama, USA, and a Postgraduate Award in Management and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

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