(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) Under the Auspices and Attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, Chairman of the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock, UNDP's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People signed a cooperation agreement with the Hashemite Fund and the Administration of Jerusalem's Awqaf to facilitate the implementation of rehabilitation works of Waqf buildings and stores at Sultan Suleiman and Salah Eddin streets in Jerusalem.
"This project is a serious aid to the steadfastness of East Jerusalem people and important contribution to preserve the Waqf heritage and properties around the walls of the Old City," said Dr. Wasfi Kailani, Executive Director of the Hashemite Fund. "We cooperate in such initiatives that protect Arab and Muslim real estate and businesses," said the Minister of Awqaf Dr. Hayel Dawood.
The agreement aims at facilitating the Islamic Development Bank and EU Donation of 22USD million for the project, which will support the resilience of Palestinians residing in East Jerusalem by improving socio-economic conditions through the urban revitalization of two key commercial centres in the city.
UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator Frode Mauring, extended his profound respect and esteem for the leadership of His Majesty Kind Abdullah, as Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, in supporting the preservation of Jerusalem's cultural, architectural, and social fabric. "For UNDP, supporting the resilience and development of Palestinians in Jerusalem, Area C and Gaza is a priority. Jerusalemites are cut off from economic opportunities day after day. Despite the challenges, we are determined to meet their urgent needs, create jobs, and improve livelihoods," he added.
Over 240 commercial and 100 business activities will directly benefit from the project in addition to the community at large. The project will also increase awareness and provide legal support against Israeli restrictions, operating businesses, licensing, and finally ensure that Palestinians are included in the development of urban plans in East Jerusalem.
It is worth noting that in addition to the USD 22 million Productivity and Urban Renewal in East Jerusalem Programme (PURE), UNDP is implementing several socio-economic programmes in Area C and East Jerusalem, in particular through the Facilitating Access to Infrastructure Resilience in Area C and East Jerusalem programme (FAIR), Community Resilience and Development Programme (CRDP), and the Deprived Families Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP).
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