Civil Defense Receives Heavy Equipment and Machinery with German Grant

SadaNews - Under the patronage of Interior Minister Major General Ziad Hab Al-Reeh and in the presence of the Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Dr. Leila Ghannam, the Palestinian Civil Defense today, Monday, December 8, 2025, received a set of heavy equipment and machinery with support from the Federal Republic of Germany, during a ceremony held at the Civil Defense Center in Beitunia.

A report mentioned that the ceremony was attended by the Director General of Civil Defense, Major General Akram Thwoabtia, the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Representation Office in Ramallah, Ms. Ulrike Bormann, and the Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Dr. Alexander Zuliga.

The report added that this batch of equipment comes at an ideal time to enhance the capabilities of the Civil Defense and raise the readiness of its crews, enabling them to reach remote areas, respond to emergencies, transport vital crews and equipment, and provide fundamental services to citizens efficiently and safely.

Ms. Ulrike Bormann confirmed Germany's ongoing commitment to support Palestinian institutions and develop civil protection services. She noted that this support is part of a long-term strategic approach aimed at enhancing sustainable economic development, strengthening state and civil society institutions, and providing support to the Palestinian people.

Dr. Alexander Zuliga emphasized the importance of this cooperation, stating: "The Palestinian Civil Defense plays a central role in protecting communities, especially under the difficult and complex conditions in recent years. We are proud to work alongside the Civil Defense crews, which provide a model of professionalism and resilience."

The Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh appreciated the efforts of the Federal Republic of Germany to support Palestinian institutions and highlighted the importance of developing the capabilities of the Civil Defense to be more prepared amid various dangers and challenges.

For his part, the Director General of Civil Defense expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support from Germany, confirming the importance of enhancing national emergency response capabilities. He emphasized that this equipment will make a direct difference in the Civil Defense's ability to protect lives and respond to disasters, assisting communities facing increasingly complex challenges, and reaffirmed the agency's commitment to developing its performance and expanding partnerships with international entities.

It is noteworthy that GIZ launched a partnership with the Palestinian Civil Defense in 2024 under the mandate of the German Foreign Office, and the Federal Republic of Germany announced the extension of its support for the Palestinian Civil Defense through GIZ until September 2027. The next phase will include expanding areas of technical and operational support, developing organizational structures, enhancing community awareness, and raising preparedness levels, thereby strengthening the role of the Civil Defense as a fundamental pillar for community security and its capacity to confront crises.

Germany is considered one of the largest bilateral donors to the Civil Defense and Palestinian institutions through its executive partners like GIZ, the German Development Bank KfW, political institutions, non-governmental organizations, and other multilateral entities.