Tel Aviv | GAiN Leadership Visits COGAT — A Step Toward Stronger Humanitarian Partnerships
GAiN (Global Aid Network) leadership recently visited COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) as part of a strategic initiative under the Helping Hand Global Forum.
This visit and collaboration were part of a high-level consultation meeting bringing together:
- Helping Hand Global Forum – A platform connecting global partners for humanitarian diplomacy and dialogue.
- COGAT – Israeli government body responsible for civilian coordination in the territories.
- GAiN – Global Aid Network, dedicated to providing relief and humanitarian aid worldwide.
Meeting Focus:
Strengthening partnerships with the State of Israel in key areas:
- Humanitarian aid logistics
- Distribution coordination
- Strategic cooperation for long-term impact
This initiative aims to:
- Facilitate smooth humanitarian aid delivery
- Improve coordination between international NGOs and Israeli authorities
- Build sustainable global partnerships for effective relief operations
What is COGAT?
COGAT stands for Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
It is a unit within the Israeli Ministry of Defense, responsible for coordinating civilian issues between the State of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, international organizations, and residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Key responsibilities of COGAT:
- Humanitarian Coordination: Facilitates the movement of humanitarian aid, medical equipment, and personnel into Palestinian areas, especially Gaza.
- Civilian Affairs: Coordinates infrastructure projects (water, electricity, sewage, etc.), permits, trade, and labor movement.
- Liaison Work: Works with international bodies like the UN, Red Cross, and NGOs to enable civilian projects and ensure compliance with security needs.
- Permit Issuance: Handles entry permits for Palestinians to Israel for work, medical treatment, education, and religious purposes.
- Crossing Points: Oversees operations of key crossings such as Erez (Gaza-Israel) and Kerem Shalom (commercial goods).
Summary:
COGAT plays a central role in managing the civil-military interface in areas under Israeli control but with Palestinian populations, ensuring that humanitarian needs and civilian infrastructure are met while maintaining national security protocols.
