University specialists propose strategy for Gaza reconstruction
Posted on 15 January 2009
The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip is pivotal in interrupting the cycle of conflict and suffering in the Palestinian Territories.
Policy makers and leaders of the international community must learn from Gaza’s long history with reconstruction and international development or again allow the process to devolve into a global scramble for accolades and influence.
I am encouraged by contacts we are receiving from various humanitarian organisations and Palestinian factions. They reflect an evident thirst for new approaches
Professor Sultan Barakat
These are two of the findings of an ongoing study into the reconstruction of Gaza being led by the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) at the University of York. The initial report of this study, which was launched by PRDU Director Professor Sultan Barakat, featured in the discussion at the recent Arab League summit in Kuwait.
"The situation still appears to be one of strategising and posturing, and many stakeholders are hoping that the politics will somehow be set aside in the interests of the people of Gaza," Professor Barakat said. "The propositions put forward in our report may provide a series of institutions and mechanisms which can reduce the influence of politics and allow pragmatic solutions, which we also address, to take root."
The PRDU released its initial report, which includes a foreword by HRH Prince El Hassan bin-Talal of Jordan, on 19 January, a day after the two sides agreed a ceasefire. This report includes the following ‘foundational’ recommendations:
- Conduct an independent investigation of war crimes – An independent investigation of war crimes from all sides should be conducted, ensuring that international standards of justice are applied.
- Ensure free movement of humanitarian supplies – To allow free movement of humanitarian supplies must be imported via two routes: the Egyptian border and the Mediterranean Sea. Both must be quickly rebuilt and used under close international supervision. Rigorous monitoring of these routes is essential to allay Israeli security concerns.
- Establish a representative commission to govern reconstruction – The reconstruction process must be depoliticised. A commission involving representatives of all major Palestinian political groups, including independents, and delegates from major humanitarian institutions, should set reconstruction priorities. The ‘Gaza Reconstruction Commission’, would govern the process in the absence of a universally-recognised political authority and ensure accountability and transparency.
- Appoint a Reconstruction Chief – An international leader with substantial experience in mediation, reconstruction and consensus-building should be appointed Gaza Reconstruction Chief to co-ordinate input from international stakeholders in the reconstruction process. The Reconstruction Chief should ensure that donors’ generous pledges of assistance are fulfilled, promote coordination among international actors and advocate against external impediments, such as border closures, to the reconstruction process.
- Establish a Gaza Reconstruction Trust Fund – A Gaza Reconstruction Trust Fund (GRTF), should be established to coordinate and manage the hundreds of millions of dollars likely to be committed by donors, in order to ensure transparency and accountability. Through this mechanism, which should be overseen by a donor-led steering committee and the Gaza Reconstruction Commission, international funding will be available when it is needed rather than when it is offered.
- Base all reconstruction activities in Rafah, Egypt – Humanitarian organisations attempting to assist the Gazan population should establish a base of operations in the Egyptian city of Rafah, close to the border with Gaza. Doing so would mitigate the influence of any Israeli border closures and provide a neutral base from which to provide medical care and humanitarian assistance in the event of a future crisis.
The PRDU report also includes an analysis of challenges facing Palestinian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. Strengthening local civil society and private firms will help mitigate conflict, bolster moderate voices, generate employment and impel Palestinian re-unification.
This study builds upon the PRDU’s recent activities with international organisations, governments and others in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia.
"I am encouraged by contacts we are receiving from various humanitarian organisations and Palestinian factions. They reflect an evident thirst for new approaches," Professor Barakat said. "The reconstruction of Gaza will stand as the proof of whether or not the rhetoric and politics of the ‘war on terror’ will outlast the Bush Administration or whether we can move genuinely forward and focus upon pragmatic solutions and concern for one another’s rights and wellbeing."
The full report, which was authored by Professor Barakat, Research Fellow Steven A. Zyck and Research Assistant Jenny Hunt is available at: www.york.ac.uk/depts/poli/prdu/publications.htm.
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Notes to editors:
- This applied research study is the most recent example of the PRDU’s global leadership in developing and conflict-affected countries. Established by Professor Barakat in 1993, the PRDU has pioneered post-conflict recovery. It remains one of the only academic institutions focused upon this critical field and has a long history of converting its ground-breaking research into tangible improvements in people’s lives around the world.
- The PRDU has worked with international organisations, the United Nations, the World Bank, the UK Government, foreign governments and others in more than 20 countries. This past year alone PRDU personnel played a leading role in guiding the British government’s future strategy for Afghanistan, evaluated the NATO-led process of defence reform in Bosnia-Herzegovina, reviewed the emerging role of Middle Eastern donor countries, launched a project looking at child soldiers in the Philippines and analysed reconstruction in Afghanistan.
- For more information, contact Professor Sultan Barakat (szb1@york.ac.uk, +44 780 129 69 39) or Mr Steven A. Zyck (sz504@york.ac.uk, +44 759 067 51 10)