The Gaza Strip, 5 July 2026: After months of collaboration in Gaza, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) welcomes a new contribution of £1 million from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) to minimize the risk of explosive ordnance in Gaza.
As humanitarian partners have scaled up their efforts and communities begin rebuilding their livelihoods since the ceasefire announcement in October 2025, explosive ordnance remains a significant hindrance to recovery. With this support from the UK, UNMAS aims to fulfil its role as an enabler of lifesaving humanitarian and early recovery activities, making people safer and supporting resilient recovery efforts.
Building on an existing project between the UK and UNMAS, this funding will allow UNMAS to continue identifying explosive ordnance threats in Gaza and mitigating their risk through marking and cordoning off dangerous areas. This work enables other humanitarian and early recovery partners to carry out lifesaving work more safely, reaching underserved communities with basic supplies, rehabilitating schools, hospitals and displacement camps, and clearing rubble from roads.
“This generous contribution from the UK comes at a critical moment for the people of Gaza, who want to be able to move forward from the conflict. Our collaboration with the UK opens the way for humanitarian activities, enables early recovery efforts, and safeguards people’s lives. We are grateful for the continued support of the UK in facilitating lifesaving responses in Gaza.” - Mr. Julius Vanderwalt, Chief of Mine Action Programme for UNMAS in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
For more information contact:
Mr. Julius Vanderwalt, Chief of Mine Action Programme, UNMAS OPT, julius.vanderwalt1@un.org
