Al Sheikh discusses prospects for strengthening development partnership with UNDP Administrator

Ramallah, February 15, 2026 – Vice President of the State of Palestine Hussein Al Sheikh met today, Sunday, with UNDP Administrator Alexander de Croo, in the presence of the UNDP Special Representative for Assistance to the Palestinian People, Dr. Jaco Cilliers.

During the meeting, they discussed humanitarian and economic developments in the Palestinian territories, with a particular focus on the Gaza Strip and the development aspect in the West Bank.

Al Sheikh demonstrated the unprecedented scale of destruction in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need to accelerate early recovery efforts and rehabilitate infrastructure, including the water, sanitation, electricity, and health sectors. In addition to emphasizing the need to provide immediate job opportunities to revitalize the local economy and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis. He stressed that supporting the resilience of our people in Gaza requires large-scale development interventions, coordinated with national parties, to ensure an effective and sustainable response.

The meeting also addressed the serious repercussions of the blockade and economic measures imposed on the West Bank, their impact on various productive and service sectors, and the resulting economic pressure that increases unemployment rates and undermines the ability of institutions to continue operating.

Al Sheikh emphasized the importance of expanding programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), empowering youth and women, and strengthening social protection, all of which contribute to reduce the effects of the economic blockade.

Mr De Croo affirmed UNDP's commitment to continuing its work in the State of Palestine and intensifying its programs in the areas of economic recovery, capacity building, and community support. He also noted the importance of close partnership with the Palestinian government to ensure that interventions align with national priorities, supporting recovery efforts in Gaza and contributing to enhanced economic and social stability in the West Bank, within a sustainable development vision that serves the aspirations of the Palestinian people.