The Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, held an online meeting with Major General Akram Thawabteh, Director General of the Palestinian Civil Defence, on 28 September 2026. The meeting focused on the current civil protection and humanitarian situation in Palestine, particularly the challenging conditions facing emergency and rescue services, as well as opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between the Palestinian Civil Defence and the ICDO.

The discussions addressed the severe operational challenges facing civil defence teams in Gaza, including extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, structures, shortages of specialized equipment and constraints affecting emergency response and civil protection operations. Particular attention was also given to the approaching winter season and the additional risks faced by people living in damaged buildings and temporary shelters.

Major General Thawabteh briefed the Secretary-General on the priority needs of the Palestinian Civil Defence and the challenges affecting its operational capabilities. The two sides discussed possible areas for strengthened cooperation, including specialized training, capacity-building, exchange of expertise, emergency preparedness, search-and-rescue capabilities, and the provision of essential equipment and other forms of practical support.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the ICDO’s commitment and support to the Palestinian Civil Defence and to facilitating international cooperation in response to urgent civil protection and humanitarian needs. He also highlighted the Organization’s ongoing efforts to identify practical avenues through which Member and Observer States and relevant partners could contribute to these efforts.

Both sides expressed their interest in maintaining coordination and advancing concrete areas of cooperation, with a view to strengthening civil protection and emergency response capacities.