German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Al-Abli-Radovan, Continues Commitment for Gaza's Future

Sada News - Today, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Al-Abli-Radovan, is visiting the region, which includes Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, thereby continuing her commitment to Gaza's future and the stability of the entire region.

Minister Al-Abli-Radovan stated the following:

"The situation remains extremely difficult and unbearable: Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages, and I will meet in Tel Aviv with their families, whose suffering leaves a deep impact on us. Although the Israeli government has allowed more humanitarian aid into Gaza, it is still far from sufficient to meet urgent needs. At the same time, Israel continues to destroy the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israeli policies aimed at expanding settlements and de facto annexation are exacerbating and complicating the situation. Therefore, achieving an immediate ceasefire has become an urgent necessity. At the same time, it is essential that we start a serious discussion about the future now, as the peoples of the region need a clear vision and tangible prospects. In my view, decisions regarding Gaza's future cannot be made without the participation of the Palestinians themselves. For this purpose, I am returning to the region to consult with our partners in Ramallah, Amman, and Riyadh about ideas and possibilities for reconstruction and how to effectively utilize existing structures. Once the field conditions allow, I aspire, as Minister for Development, to contribute to enabling the people of Gaza to live again with dignity and security as soon as possible."

The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will take decades and will require massive resources. Achieving this will not be possible without the concerted efforts of the international community and the contribution of key regional powers such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It also requires a fair distribution of the financial burdens of reconstruction among all parties.
During her visit, Al-Abli-Radovan seeks to rally support for this collective effort. In Ramallah, she will meet with Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa, Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Samah Hamad, and Minister of Planning Dr. Istifan Salama. The Minister of Social Affairs is responsible for humanitarian relief and "early recovery" programs aimed at urgently rehabilitating the destroyed infrastructure and providing essential services that enable life to resume in the Gaza Strip. The Minister of Planning is concerned with establishing a long-term strategic vision for Gaza, which includes creating an effective administration under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority. It is clear that Hamas will have no role in Gaza's future after the war.

In Israel, the minister is conducting talks, among other things, with several family members of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

In Jordan, the minister visits a camp run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), where some have lived for four generations. Jordan has received 2.3 million registered Palestinian refugees, in addition to about 1.3 million people from Syria. Jordan faces significant pressures not only in providing services to refugees and dealing with crises in neighboring areas but also in facing a severe water crisis exacerbated by ongoing climate change.

In Amman, the minister is having political discussions with Minister of Planning Zeina Toukan and Deputy Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Natalie Bokle, to discuss the situation in Gaza and urgent joint assistance for the population, along with ways to cooperate in reconstruction efforts. German development cooperation can contribute through its expertise in Gaza's reconstruction, benefiting from the partnership with Jordan in addressing the severe water crisis the country faces.

In Saudi Arabia, political talks and exchanges of views are scheduled with the Saudi Fund for Development, which is the Saudi counterpart to the German Development Bank (KfW). Saudi Arabia is a prominent regional power both politically and financially, and Germany shares interests related to developmental issues. Saudi Arabia has already announced its support for the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which the German government welcomed as a suitable starting point. Saudi Arabia also plays a pivotal role in the reconstruction efforts in Syria.