UN chief appoints new Deputy Special Coordinator for Middle East peace

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Robert Piper of Australia as his new Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, a United Nations spokesperson confirmed today.

Mr. Piper – a former UN Development Programme (UNDP) official with over 25 years of humanitarian and development experience – will succeed James Rawley of the United States to whom the Secretary-General is “grateful for his distinguished service and in particular for his dedicated contribution to Gaza’s reconstruction efforts,” according to the UN spokesperson’s office.

In his new role, Mr. Piper will also serve as the Organization’s Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

His appointment comes amid ongoing UN-backed reconstruction efforts in Gaza where thousands of people are seeking access to building materials for urgent repairs to their homes following last summer’s conflict in the war-ravaged enclave.

According to a UN assessment, in fact, over 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the territory, affecting more than 600,000 people. Many people still lack access to the municipal water network. Blackouts of up to 18 hours per day are common.

In addition, the violence killed more than 2,100 Palestinians and more than 70 Israelis.