Access Support Unit (ASU)
The Access Support Unit (ASU) facilitates the movement of United Nations (UN), Non Governmental Organization (NGO) and Diplomatic Mission personnel across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), including Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and through international border crossings, to ensure the continuity of humanitarian and development operations in an extremely complex access environment. The Unit is mandated by and operates in close coordination with the Deputy Special Coordinator/Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSC/RC/HC), supported by OCHA and UNSCO, with operational assistance provided by UNOPS.
The ASU supports humanitarian personnel by managing, negotiating and coordinating applications for access to and from Gaza, facilitating movement into East Jerusalem from the West Bank, and intervening when issues arise at checkpoints, crossings, or international borders. In addition to direct movement facilitation, the ASU also offers technical consultation to UN agencies, INGOs, national NGO implementing partners, and diplomatic missions on access procedures, coordination processes, and operational planning.
The ASU provides real-time assistance and support during personnel access incidents through a 24/7 hotline and maintains regular engagement with the relevant authorities to ensure timely and coordinated access for humanitarian and development actors. The Unit also contributes to strategic-level engagement on broader access issues affecting the movement of personnel across the oPt and delivers principled, transparent, and cost-effective access support through an efficient and practical operational approach.
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Advices & Support
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HTR facilited
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24/7 Incidents supported
Services
Hummanitarain Team Rotation (HTR)
The Humanitarian Team Rotation (HTR) mechanism was established by the Access Support Unit (ASU) following the events of 7 October 2023 and the subsequent closure of all crossing points into the Gaza Strip. The HTR process facilitates the coordinated entry and exit of humanitarian personnel — including , international NGO, and Emergency Medical Team personnel — to enable the continuity of humanitarian presence and activities in Gaza.
- Coordinate the Entry/Exit of Humanitarain Workers to/from Gaza.
- Coordinate Senior UN Officals
- Coordinate Pre-approved Critical Humantarain Aid
- contact the ASU team at: htr@unops.org
Permits & Visas
The Access Support Unit (ASU) provides guidance and coordination support to humanitarian organizations navigating visa and permit procedures with relevant authorities. These services aim to ensure predictable and timely access for personnel working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and East Jerusalem.
- Personnel Permits Advice and coordination for permit applications for staff holding West Bank, Jerusalem, or Gaza IDs.
- B1 Work Visas (INGO) Guidance on the procedures for obtaining B1 work visas for staff of INGOs who require long-term residency in Israel.
- B2 Entry Visas for the West Bank (INGO) Assistance with the application process for B2 entry visas, specifically for access to the West Bank with both the Palestinian Ministry of Interior and the Israeli Civil Administration (CA).
- Entry Visa to Jordan Support with securing Jordanian entry visas for UN and INGO personnel traveling via land border crossings between Israel and Jordan, as well as Israel and Egypt.
Crossings Operating Hours
Provide regularly updated information on Crossings Operating Hours to support effective planning and coordination for humanitarian actors.
24/7 Hotlines
The Access Support Unit (ASU) is available around the clock to assist humanitarian personnel and liaise with relevant authorities when needed.
- Immediate support to resolve access incidents
- Technical advice , support ,and general inquiries
Advisories
The Access Support Unit (ASU) issues regular advisories to keep humanitarian personnel informed of evolving access conditions and procedures.
- Status and opening hours of International Crossings
- Checkpoint Operations and Closures
- Changes to Access Procedures or Requirements
Report Access Incident
Access Incident
What is an Access Incident ?
Any situation where a UN vehicle or humanitarian workers are delayed or denied access in the course of their official duties.
24/7 hotline:
+972 (0) 54-3311-850
+970 (0) 59-8331-185
Stay Calm and Professional
Maintain a respectful and clear approach when interacting during the incident.
Contact ASU
Call the ASU 24/7 hotline immediatly to report the incident and request support.
Send an Email
If perssonal was unable to call 24/7 hotline numbers send a description of the incident to accesscoordination@unops.org.
Submit the Online Form
Following the incident and when able to, fill out the Access Incident Form to help ASU document the case and follow up accordingly.
Follow-Up
An ASU team member will contact you to provide updates or gather additional information as needed.
Contact
Contact Information
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Email:
accesscoordination@unops.org
24/7 hotline:
+972 (0) 54-3311-850
+970 (0) 59-8331-185
Address:
Jerusalem
Funding Donors
