Role of Cluster Approach in Improving Humanitarian Response in The Gaza Strip
Date
2019-12-28
Authors
Mahmoud Omar Mahmoud Al Majdalawi
محمود عمر مجدلاوي
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
The study is aimed to identify the role of cluster approach in improving the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip from clusters member’s perspective. The importance of this study stems from the importance of the humanitarian action which is intended to save people lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. The humanitarian response to a crisis is essential in terms of people protection, and ensuring the accountability of aid delivery. The cluster approach is intended to meet these objectives by enhancing partnerships and coordination system with all humanitarian actors, including NGOs, both international and national, as they play a crucial role in the humanitarian system. In order to achieve this study, the researcher adopts the descriptive analytical method. The researcher designed a research questionnaire and conducted six interviews to identify the role of cluster approach in improving the humanitarian response. The researcher targeted the whole study population using the census approach. In total 105 questionnaires were collected online and were filled out by clusters’ members. The study has been conducted in the Gaza strip, Palestine during the year 2019.
The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software and using different analysis methods. The results of the study show that there is significant relationship between the cluster approach application and improvements of humanitarian response. Concretely, the results indicate that the cluster approach in the Gaza strip has a clear and good role in improving the humanitarian response. Additionally, the results show a partial commitment from partners that contributed to overall clusters’ role. The results of the study agree with various previous studies which show that the cluster approach is an effective tool to improve the overall humanitarian action. However, the study showed that there is needed improvement to enhance the overall performance and effectiveness. Moreover, the study results indicated that the performance of clusters differs from cluster to cluster due to different factors, and numbers of challenges associated with cluster approach application in the Gaza strip.
Finally, the researcher made recommendations to the cluster coordinators and cluster lead, cluster partners, local authority and donors. Finally, suggestions for future study have been presented.