Lasting Peace and Recovery in Gaza Depends on Local Participation, Not Just Ceasefires

Strategic Insights -

Mahmood Fayazi, an assistant professor and head of the Disaster and Emergency Management Program at Royal Roads University, emphasizes the significance of local participation in the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, beyond mere ceasefire agreements. The Israeli war in Gaza has resulted in devastating consequences, including the destruction of 84% of the Gaza Strip and up to 92% of Gaza City, displacing nearly 400,000 Palestinians and killing over 67,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza Strip requires $53.2 billion for recovery and reconstruction, with $20 billion needed to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and revitalize the economy.
  • Satellite data shows 292,904 homes destroyed or damaged, with over 60 million tonnes of debris awaiting removal, equivalent to 24,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
  • The conflict has significantly impacted Gaza's economic sectors, with up to 96% of agricultural assets and 82% of businesses damaged or destroyed.
  • Externally driven recovery plans often fail, and past post-conflict settings show that genuine local engagement is essential for successful reconstruction.
  • Developing local capacities, building strong and transparent institutions, implementing gradual and sequenced reforms, and ensuring a deliberate transition from external to local leadership are critical for sustainable recovery.
  • Restoring household livelihoods through revitalizing economic production, supporting small businesses, and implementing reforms that empower communities and restore hope is essential for long-term outcomes.
  • Coordinated international efforts focused on administrative restructuring, judicial reform, and local government elections are necessary for successful post-war reconstruction.

Statistics:

  • 84% of the Gaza Strip and up to 92% of Gaza City have been destroyed.
  • 292,904 homes have been destroyed or damaged.
  • Over 60 million tonnes of debris (equivalent to 24,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools) awaits removal.
  • 96% of agricultural assets and 82% of businesses have been damaged or destroyed.
  • $53.2 billion is required for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • $20 billion is needed to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and revitalize the economy.

Sources:

  • The Conversation -- Canada -- By Mahmood Fayazi, Assistant Professor and Head of Disaster and Emergency Management Program, Royal Roads University
  • World Bank report from February, estimating recovery and reconstruction needs in Gaza and the West Bank at $53.2 billion.
  • The Gaza Health Ministry, citing over 67,000 Palestinians killed in the conflict.
  • Mahmood Fayazi, developing literature review on recovery processes across post-war settings in Europe, Asia, and Africa.