Mustafa: The Reconstruction of the Sector Requires Approximately $67 Billion According to International Estimates

SadaNews - Prime Minister Dr. Mohamed Mustafa confirmed that the executive program of the Arab plan for recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, in collaboration with Arab countries and international partners, includes 56 sub-programs across 18 sectors, including housing, social services, infrastructure, economy, and governance.

Mustafa indicated that the recovery and reconstruction process in the sector needs approximately $67 billion according to estimates, to implement projects and programs for various sectors including infrastructure, governance, and public services. This program will be applied through Palestinian ministries and relevant institutions in collaboration with international partners in several phases, with the first phase focusing on early recovery which requires $3.5 billion over six months, while the second phase is concerned with the reconstruction and revitalization of vital sectors lasting three years and needing $30 billion. The third phase represents the completion of comprehensive reconstruction and will extend over several years.

This announcement came during an expanded meeting that included around 100 personalities representing international and UN organizations, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine, and several relevant ministers, to enhance joint coordination and update them on the recovery and reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, held today Thursday in his office in Ramallah.

The Prime Minister called on the international community to support the reconstruction plan to ensure not only rebuilding but also restoring hope, dignity, and stability for the Palestinians.

Mustafa sent a message to the international community that the reconstruction of Gaza should be Palestinian-led, with Arab support, and international backing, ensuring not only the rebuilding of Gaza but also the restoration of hope, dignity, and stability for the Palestinians.

Mustafa said: "After more than two years of devastating war, the Gaza Strip has suffered extensive destruction, mass displacement, and deep humanitarian suffering; however, the government of the State of Palestine remains steadfast in its determination to lead a recovery and reconstruction process that is entirely Palestinian-owned, restoring dignity and hope for our resilient people."

He clarified that the Palestinian vision is to rebuild Gaza as an unbesieged, connected, and prosperous part of the State of Palestine in line with relevant UN resolutions and the New York Declaration.

The Prime Minister indicated that the first phase will begin after stabilizing the ceasefire arrangements and securing necessary security and financial provisions. The government will launch a six-month early recovery plan focusing on: debris removal and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, providing temporary housing, offering cash assistance and "cash-for-work" programs, supporting small projects and agriculture to revive livelihoods, reactivating the banking system, providing psychological and social support as well as education and health services, and supporting people with disabilities, including rehabilitation programs and providing assistive devices.

He mentioned: "A reconstruction conference for the Gaza Strip will be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and this conference will be a main platform for mobilizing resources and building partnerships."

Mustafa added: "Key sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, land and civil registration, public finance, taxation, among others, are based on a unified system in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, so these recognized systems must be empowered and strengthened by international partners, not replaced by parallel or temporary structures that will not be able to maintain effective and genuine service delivery on the ground."

 He continued: "The reconstruction process will be implemented in a manner consistent with the ongoing institutional reform and development program, which focuses on transparency, accountability, and enhancing institutional performance, supported by international partners. These efforts will also contribute to enhancing political and geographical unity between Gaza and the West Bank."

 Mustafa confirmed that security and governance in Gaza must be based on national reference and leadership, closely linked to national institutions, and compliant with international law, while Palestine remains open to support and assistance from Arab and international partners, in support of stability and protection of civilians, including, when necessary, through a clearly defined temporary international or regional presence, mandated by the Security Council, and implemented in coordination with the State of Palestine, with these arrangements being time-bound, fully subject to Palestinian sovereignty and legitimate authority.