Challenges and prospects for the reconstruction of Gaza What role for financing and politics?

Elissar KARAM

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Executive Summary: The reconstruction of Gaza, after the collapse of the ceasefire and the intensive bombing, presents enormous challenges. The war caused massive destruction and cost the lives of some 46,000 people, mostly civilians whose children and vital infrastructure had been destroyed, causing forced displacement and making Gaza virtually uninhabitable. Three reconstruction scenarios are envisaged: massive international intervention, progressive reconstruction, or delay due to insufficient funding. The humanitarian situation is critical, and reconstruction is also hampered by Gaza’s economic dependence on Israel, which controls foreign trade, currency, natural resources and displacement. The war also had serious environmental consequences, with bombardments generating millions of tons of toxic debris, contaminated soil and water, and destroyed agricultural land. Political and economic interests must not divert funds for the reconstruction of Gaza. The Suf- france of the inhabitants will not cease with the cease-fire, but will continue for years.

Keywords: Gaza, Palestine, Cisjordanie, Israël, Reconstruction, ONU, UNICEF, Guerre,
Bombings, Infrastructure, Food, Water, Health, Economic Dependence,
Colonization, Environment, Humanitarian aid, Humanitarian crisis, Shortages, Losses, Scenarios.