The United Nations has commended Israel for its work over the Covid-19 pandemic and its coordination with the Palestinian authorities.
Nickolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, surprised Israeli observers with his description of the “excellent” cooperation established between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in tackling the virus.
Israeli and Palestinian officials, having long worked together on security and civil matters, recently set up a special mechanism to communicate “moment by moment” on all issues related to the virus.
Since the beginning of the crisis, Israel has allowed the entry of critical supplies and equipment into Gaza, including swabs for collection of samples and other laboratory supplies required for COVID-19 testing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect Palestinian health workers. Over 4,500 coronavirus test-kits and 50,000 masks have been delivered to the Palestinian Authority’s health system to offer residents aid in the fight against the coronavirus.
The UN also noted Israel’s cooperation in allowing health workers and other personnel involved in the pandemic response to move in and out of the West Bank and Gaza.
Middle East Minister Rt. Hon. James Cleverly MP also praised the cooperation between Israel and the PA, following a call with PA diplomat Saeb Erekat. He underlined: “I hope joint Israeli-Palestinian efforts to tackle the virus build the trust needed to support future progress on the Middle East Peace Process”.
