Urgent humanitarian response for gaza
June 11, 2024

about the conference

Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza

The “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” Conference is set to take place in Jordan on June 11, 2024. This high-level conference is co-organized by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United Nations, and will be attended by Heads of State, government representatives, and key organizations.
The war in Gaza is now in its eighth month, with massive loss of life among civilians and suffering for the entire population of over 2.3 million Palestinians across the Strip. Famine is imminent in many parts of Gaza; trauma is widespread; every part of Gaza is in ruins. No place is safe in the Strip, and access to food, water, shelter, or medicine is practically non-existent.
In line with previous appeals for an immediate ceasefire, the “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” Conference will identify ways to strengthen the international community’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe, outline effective standardized measures and procedures, identify the operational and logistical needs and the types of support necessary in that regard, discuss preparations for early recovery, and seek commitments for a collective, coordinated response to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The primary objective of this high-level meeting is to reach a consensus on practical measures to meet the immediate needs on the ground.
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concept note

Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza
In light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and His Excellency Antonio Guterres the Secretary-General of the United Nations will be hosting the “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” international conference in Jordan, on June 11 th 2024.

The war in Gaza is now in its eighth month, with massive loss of life among civilians, and suffering for the entire population of over 2.3 million Palestinians across the strip. Today, famine is imminent in parts of Gaza and people continue fleeing in search for safety. Trauma is widespread. Every part of Gaza is in ruins. The situation has been exacerbated by the onset of the Rafah military operations. Within two weeks, more than 800,000 people were again forcibly displaced, while no place is safe in Gaza and without any access to food, water, shelter, or medicine.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian response in Gaza has been under severe pressure. UNRWA’s vital operations have been placed at great risk. The continuation of the conflict for such an extended period and the scale of the harm caused has grave implications for regional peace and security in the immediate and long term.

The flash appeal issued by the UN in April, identified US $2.8 billion for humanitarian agencies, to address the most urgent needs for people in Gaza and the West Bank. The UN-led humanitarian response, and the support of the regional Member States and donors, supplemented by the Mechanism for Gaza to be established under Security Council resolution 2720 (2023), have collectively helped the civilian population. However, delivery of humanitarian assistance remains severely hampered and unpredictable due to the many constraints at almost every level - constraints that the UN and partners have been voicing since the start of the conflict.

A paradigm shift is now needed to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, the unimpeded delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, and the upholding of obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. We must come together to urgently deliver humanitarian and medical assistance in an immediate, adequate and sustainable manner.

The “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” Conference, recalling the existing humanitarian response and work done to further Security Council resolution 2720 (2023) to expedite, streamline, and accelerate the process of providing assistance, will identify ways to strengthen the international community’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe, outline effective standardized measures and procedures to deliver all necessary aid to Gaza, identify the operational and logistical needs and the types of support necessary in that regard, discuss preparations for early recovery and bring commitment for a collective coordinated response to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

To achieve these goals, the Conference will include Working Group Sessions that will consider the operational and resource implications needed to sustain the aid pipelines and create conditions conducive to the safe delivery of aid and protection of civilians, followed by a High-Level Meeting considering policy approaches for the situation ahead and concluding with a statement presenting the outcomes of the Conference.

agenda

JUNE 11, 2024
10:00
Arrival
10:30 - 10:45
Opening for Working Groups Session
  • Remarks by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs & Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi.
  • Remarks by His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukry.
  • Remarks by His Excellency UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths
10:45 - 12:15
Working Groups Session
  • Working Group Session 1: “Supplies of Humanitarian Assistance into Gaza commensurate to the humanitarian needs”.
  • Working Group Session 2: “Overcoming challenges to the delivery of Humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians in Gaza”.
  • Working Group Session 3: “Early Recovery Priorities”.
Reception of Heads of Delegations by Co-Chairs
13:30
Plenary Session
  • Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.
  • Remarks by His Excellency President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi of Egypt.
  • Remarks by His Excellency United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
  • Remarks by His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas of State of Palestine.
  • Briefing on the Working Groups Session Outcomes by His Excellency UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths.
  • Speeches by Heads of States and Governments.
15:00 - 16:00
Lunch Break
Speeches by other Heads of Delegations
18:00
End of Plenary Session
18:15
Joint Press Conference
You can download the conference agenda from the below links
pdf Agenda English
pdf Agenda Arabic

working group i

Supplies of Humanitarian Assistance into Gaza commensurate to the humanitarian needs

From 10:45 am to 12:15 pm [1h30min]

Overall Objective:

In light of the funding needs per sector as identified within the UN Flash Appeal, and in view of current humanitarian needs and funding gaps, the objective is to articulate minimum requirements for ensuring sustained, predictable and sufficient supplies of humanitarian assistance can reach into and throughout Gaza, via land and sea routes and in line with Security Council Resolution 2720 (2023).

Co-Facilitators:

Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag, His Excellency Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Hassan Shoukry, and His Royal Highness Prince Rashid bin El Hassan.

Keynote Speakers:

WFP Deputy Executive, Director Carl Skau. Egyptian Red Crescent CEO, Dr. Amal Emam. Commissioner for Crisis Management in the European Commission, Janez Lenarčič.

working group ii

Overcoming challenges to the delivery of Humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians in Gaza

From 10:45 am to 12:15 pm [1h30min]

Overall Objective:

In line with previous calls for an immediate ceasefire and based on existing constraints to the safe and effective delivery of aid, outline the minimum requirements for ensuring conditions conducive to the safe and effective distribution of aid inside Gaza, including those related to protection of civilians, and humanitarian staff.

Co-Facilitators:

His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, and Emergency Relief Coordinator and USG for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths.

Keynote Speakers:

RC/HC, Muhannad Hadi. ICRC President, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger. Palestinian Red Crescent Society, President Younis Al Khatib. Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Nada Al-Nashif.

working group iii

Early Recovery Priorities

From 10:45 am to 12:15 pm [1h30min]

Overall Objective:

Discuss opportunities to support early recovery priorities identified at the country level that will bring back dignity to people in need and help them regain their rights, such as the right to education, shelter, primary healthcare and psychosocial support.

Co-Facilitators:

Prime Minister of the State of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa, Secretary-General for Diplomatic Affairs & Expatriates Majed Alqatarneh, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

Keynote Speakers:

UNDP USG Associate Administrator, Haoliang Xu. IFC Regional Vice President, Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Hela Cheickrouhou. UN Women Executive Director, Sima Bahous. UNFPA Executive Director, Natalia Kanem.

co-organizer

The conference is being held at the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, and His Excellency the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, with the participation of leaders of states, heads of governments, and heads of international humanitarian and relief organizations.

King Abdullah II of Jordan

His Majesty
King Abdullah II of Jordan

Abdel Fatah el-Sisi of Egypt

His Excellency President
Abdel Fatah el-Sisi of Egypt

Secretary-General António Guterres

His Excellency United Nations
Secretary-General António Guterres

participants

Head of States, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers and officials of 75 states and Principals of 75 International Organization.

Algeria, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Holy See, Hungary, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA.
LAS, OIC, GCC, Africa Union, EU, UFM.
ICRC, IFRC.
Development Coordination Office (DCO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, OSHRC, UNEP, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Resident Coordinator Office (RCO), UNDP, UN-HABITAT, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UNRWA, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), UN WOMEN, UNOPS, WFP, WHO, OCHA.
American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), CARE International, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), Kuwait Society for Relief, United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), Caritas, Life for Relief and Development, Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), OXFAM, Catholic Relief Services, Egyptian Red Crescent, Humanity and Inclusion (Previously known as Handicap International), International Medical Corps (IMC), International Rescue Committee (IRC), JHCO, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Mercy Corps, Norwegian Refugee Council, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Qatar Charity, Save the Children (International), Turkish Red Crescent, World Central Kitchen, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, International Council for Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), InterAction, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network (PNGO), Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA), Premiere Urgence - Aide Medicale Internationale (PU-AMI), Office of the Quartet, Taawon, AL IMDAAD Foundation
World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), IFC, Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), Arab Coordination Group (ACG), The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), USAID, JICA, ECHO, GIZ, AFD (French Development Agency), NDC (Netherlands Development Cooperation), SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), Qatar Fund for Development, Minderoo Foundation.

Co-chairs’ Statement and Call for Action

Below is the official statement and call for action from the co-chairs.

The high-level conference “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza,” was held in Dead Sea Jordan on the 11th of June 2024, and co-chaired by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and His Excellency Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres,
The Co-chairs
  • Expressed grave concern at the enormous loss of life, the unprecedented civilian casualties and the unfolding man-made humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza caused by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and at the persistent and continuing lack of humanitarian access to civilians in need. Condemned the killing, targeting and other harmful actions against civilians by both sides in violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
  • Condemned the attacks on United Nations staff and other humanitarian workers, including the more than 250 attacks on UNRWA schools and other premises sheltering displaced people and the killing of at least 193 UNRWA staff and at least 135 of their children and called for a full investigation into each and every one of these deaths.
  • Deplored the effects of the war in Gaza, including the ongoing operations in Rafah, which have exacerbated the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and condemned in the strongest terms attacks striking camps of displaced Palestinians.
  • Rejected individual or mass forcible transfer and displacement of civilians within and from the Occupied Palestinian Territory in violation of international law.
  • Stressed the importance of the current mediation by Egypt, Qatar and the United States with a view to finalizing a deal that would guarantee a permanent ceasefire throughout Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and increase and ensure the unhindered access and distribution of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need.
  • Acknowledged the important role of all United Nations humanitarian organizations and humanitarian workers inside Gaza and commended their efforts to stay and deliver, saluting those who have sacrificed their lives.
  • Stressed the indispensable and irreplaceable role of UNRWA, especially in providing life-saving supplies and services despite existential challenges and unprecedented difficult working conditions.
  • Emphasized that the Gaza Strip constitutes an integral part of the territory occupied in 1967 and reiterated in this regard the importance of ending the occupation, with a view to achieving a stable, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, on the basis of the pre-4 June 1967 lines, fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood.
  • Expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and condemned all unilateral measures, including settlement activities, that undermine the two-state solution.
In light of the discussions that took place during the Conference, the Co-chairs hereby call for the following actions:
  • Establishing an immediate, permanent, and fully respected cease fire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and all civilians who are being illegally held captive, demanding their safety, well-being and humane treatment in compliance with international law.
  • Ending the ongoing operation in Rafah, and implementing the provisional measures indicated by the International Court of Justice.
  • Ensuring full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, in particular with regards to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, UN and humanitarian aid workers, and medical and media personnel.
  • Allowing, facilitating and enabling the immediate, safe and unhindered access and provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in quality and quantity, into and throughout Gaza, via the most direct routes to the civilian population, including through lifting all barriers and restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Ensuring its safe and unimpeded passage to the civilian population in need and ensuring conditions conducive to the safe and effective distribution and provision of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, including by establishing robust coordination, humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms.
  • Stepping up the efforts to ensure sustained provision and delivery of humanitarian assistance into and throughout Gaza, in line with obligations under international humanitarian law, Security Council resolution 2712 (2023), and Security Council resolution 2720 (2023), via all routes, including through establishing reliable, simplified and standardized measures and operating procedures, as well as providing necessary financial, logistical and supply needs (trucks, warehouses, stockpiles, etc.), to reduce humanitarian needs and resources gap.
  • Addressing early recovery priorities, including education, health, shelter, nutrition, water and sanitation, electricity, logistics, and telecommunications, while underscoring the crucial importance of education as part of early recovery for over 500,000 children and for future peace.
  • Ensuring the necessary conditions for the safe and dignified return of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
  • Providing the necessary support and sustained, transparent, and long-term funding to enable UNRWA to carry out its duties as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, and to maintain its essential life-saving activities and services for the Palestinian people, in Gaza and all fields of operation, including through early recovery activities.
  • Facilitating and supporting the establishment of a UN mechanism inside Gaza for accelerating the provision of humanitarian relief consignments with the goal of expediting, streamlining, and accelerating the process of providing assistance while continuing to help ensure that aid reaches its civilian destination in accordance with Security Council resolution 2720 (2023).
  • Increasing diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and launch a credible and irreversible track for the implementation of the two-state solution, that results in the establishment of an independent, contiguous, viable and sovereign, Palestinian State, in line with agreed parameters and on the basis of the pre- 4 June 1967 lines, living side by side with Israel in peace and security, on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, previous agreements and international law.
  • Lifting all punitive measures imposed on the Palestinian people and economy and refraining from all provocative and inflammatory statements and actions that further exacerbate the dire situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as providing the necessary support to the Palestinian Government.

Participants’ statements

Download speeches and written statements from below links

Statements will be published upon their release.

fact sheet

You can download the conference fact sheet from the below links

pdf Fact Sheet English
pdf Fact Sheet Arabic