Palestinian Monetary Authority Governor Heads Palestinian Delegation at International Conference on Gaza Reconstruction

SadaNews - The Governor of the Palestinian Monetary Authority, Yahya Shanar, headed the Palestinian delegation at the high-level international conference held at "Wilton Park" in the United Kingdom, to discuss the involvement of the private sector in the reconstruction plans for the Gaza Strip.

The conference, which lasted three days, was organized under the auspices of the British government in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt, and attended by high-ranking officials including the British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Hamish Falconer, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and Mahmoud Omar, Assistant Foreign Minister and Director of Palestine Affairs in the Egyptian government, along with senior representatives from the Palestinian government, the governments of the United Kingdom and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and international partners.

During the conference, the Governor of the Monetary Authority presented a Palestinian initiative for reconstruction based on the principles of governance, transparency, and accountability, stressing that the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip is not just about restoring what was lost, but about a rebuilding that strengthens the economic foundations and empowers the Palestinian people to build their state, creating conditions for stability, productivity, and self-reliance. It is an economic and moral duty that requires a collective effort based on strong partnerships, with an active role from the private sector to contribute to a sustainable and dignified recovery for the Palestinian people.

The governor expressed deep appreciation to the UK government for its enduring partnership and historic recognition of the State of Palestine, and to the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for its leading role in preparing for the upcoming international conference on Gaza reconstruction to be held in Cairo next month.

The Governor of the Monetary Authority also reviewed the Gaza reconstruction and recovery program, which is the national framework consistent with the Arab plan for recovery and development in Gaza, to be implemented through the Gaza Reconstruction Unit in the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, supported by a mechanism for project preparation to expedite financing for executable projects, and by engineering teams from the United Nations Development Programme to remove debris and assess damages, as well as 18,000 government employees ready to resume public services as soon as the field conditions allow.

He pointed to the pivotal role played by the Palestinian banking sector, confirming its full readiness to contribute to liquidity management and resource allocation to ensure the financing of vital projects for Gaza's reconstruction, noting that the Monetary Authority has worked in recent years to establish the foundations of financial stability and enhance the banks' capacity to cope with crises, enabling them now to play an effective role in supporting economic recovery efforts and meeting citizens' needs, in partnership with local and international institutions.

The Palestinian delegation also affirmed its full readiness to work with Egyptian and Jordanian authorities in coordinating crossings and logistics for reconstruction as soon as they are allowed to open.

UK: We Commit to Playing a Leadership Role in Accelerating Gaza Reconstruction

In the same context, the British Minister of State for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said, "It is a great honor for the United Kingdom to host this gathering - at this pivotal moment - alongside our friends from the Palestinian Authority and Egypt."

Falconer added during the opening of the Wilton Park Conference on Economic Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza, co-hosted by the UK with Egypt and the Palestinian Authority, that this peace agreement brings hope to the world after two years of conflict and suffering.

He continued, "Now, finally, we can begin to look forward to a brighter future - for Palestinians, Israelis, the State of Palestine, and the two-state solution."

He affirmed that the United Kingdom is committed to playing a leadership role in accelerating Gaza's reconstruction by working with our international partners.

He said, "Together, we support the recovery and reconstruction efforts led by Palestinians. We recognize the magnitude of the task, and we understand its urgency and complexity. The government has stated that it will take years and cost billions of dollars.

He added, "We must be ready to act - to clear debris, rebuild homes, create infrastructure, and restore access to education and healthcare; we must also lay the foundation for long-term economic development."

He continued, "This conference is about how to achieve this together. How we support the Arab reconstruction plan. And how we leverage the vast resources needed, not only through traditional donor financing but also through creative thinking to attract private capital."

He stated, "The UK is in an excellent position to help. We have deep experience in private investment and strong connections with the City of London. But this is a joint effort. You bring technical expertise, regional vision, and relationships that will enable us to achieve this. Ultimately, it is about meeting the needs and aspirations of the people of Gaza."

He added, "It is also about reconnecting Gaza economically, politically, and socially with the West Bank, and supporting the continuity of the State of Palestine within the framework of a two-state solution."