Michael de Laine

Reconstructing Gaza ‘critical for interrupting the cycle of conflict and suffering’

By Michael de Laine, Copenhagen, 15^th January 2009

An ongoing study into the reconstruction of Gaza is being led by the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) at the University of York. The study was launched by PRDU Director Professor Sultan Barakat, who was involved in the reconstruction of the Palestinian Territories following the 1993 Oslo Agreement.

Reconstructing the Gaza Strip is critical for interrupting the cycle of conflict and suffering in the Palestinian territories, according to an ongoing study into the reconstruction of Gaza.

Politicians 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, the study adds.

It also calls for an independent investigation of war crimes.

The study, which is led by the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) at the University of York, was launched by the PRDU’s director, professor Sultan Barakat, who was involved in the reconstruction of the Palestinian territories following the 1993 Oslo Agreement.

“Despite the ongoing violence, planning for reconstruction of Gaza cannot wait until the last bullet has been fired,” Barakat said, and this is an area in which the University and the Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit can hope to begin a dialogue and to ensure that past mistakes are not repeated.

Following the end of hostilities, the PRDU intends to release a report written by Barakat and co-authored by research fellow Steven Zyck and research assistant Jenny Hunt.

This report is expected to include the following recommendations:

• Conduct an independent investigation of war crimes

• Ensure free movement of humanitarian supplies

• Establish a representative commission to govern reconstruction

• Appoint a reconstruction chief

• Establish a Gaza Reconstruction Trust Fund

• Base all reconstruction activities in Rafah, Egypt

The researchers behind the study say that an independent investigation of war crimes from all sides should be conducted, ensuring that international standards of justice are applied, so the Gazan population feels its suffering has been recognised.

To allow free movement of humanitarian supplies, these must be imported via two routes: the Egyptian border and the Mediterranean Sea, the report says. Both routes must be quickly rebuilt and used under close international supervision.

“Rigorous monitoring of these routes is essential to allay Israeli security concerns,” the researchers say.

They want the reconstruction process to be depoliticised.

“A commission involving representatives of all major Palestinian political groups, including independents, and delegates from major humanitarian institutions such as the United Nations, should set reconstruction priorities,” Barakat and his colleagues say. “The ‘Gaza Reconstruction Commission’ would govern the process in the absence of a universally-recognised political authority and ensure accountability and transparency.”

They want an international leader with substantial experience in mediation, reconstruction and consensus-building appointed to the position of Gaza reconstruction chief to co-ordinate input from international stakeholders in the reconstruction process.

The task of the reconstruction chief would be to ensure that donors’ generous pledges of assistance are fulfilled, to promote coordination among international actors and to advocate against external impediments, such as border closures, to the reconstruction process.

“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,” the researchers say. “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.”

They say the 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 this 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 report states.

The PRDU study 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, the researchers believe.

“Effective planning and appropriate interventions will help overcome the sense of pessimism which has so commonly affected this region,” Barakat said. “A transformation of attitudes needs to be achieved so that we don’t end up with the same sort of scaled-up relief activities which leaves the population vulnerable and unable to imagine a better future.”

This study builds on the PRDU’s recent activities with international organisations, governments and others in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia.