Gaza: Over the past two years, Gaza has been at the center of one of the most devastating acts of destruction in modern history, leaving nearly two million people homeless and its infrastructure paralyzed by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attacks.
According to Anadolu Agency, international law and global institutions failed to adequately respond during this period of devastation, placing the onus on both global and regional actors to rebuild the region. The reconstruction of Gaza is not only a matter of repairing physical structures but also requires a political framework to ensure social healing, sovereignty, and lasting peace.
Rebuilding Gaza post-ceasefire is expected to be a complex process, requiring thorough damage assessment. This task is compounded by political factors such as Israel's blockade and international law infringements. Key elements influencing the process include control mechanisms at the Rafah crossing, UN coordination, financial support from Qatar, and technical assistance from Trkiye. The international community's role extends beyond rebuilding to preventing future IDF attacks, making this an historic test of international justice and cooperation.
Financial resources for Gaza's reconstruction must be transparent and sustainable. While donor conferences have been used previously, a multilayered approach focusing on long-term development is needed. Regional players like Trkiye, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait could lead in providing humanitarian and technical funding. International institutions such as the UNDP, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank should contribute with project-based grants and loans, ensuring accountability and sustainability through technical standards and monitoring mechanisms.
The question of who should cover Gaza's reconstruction costs is both a legal and moral issue. International law dictates that the party responsible for destruction should bear the costs. In Gaza's case, Israel, as the main perpetrator, should be held accountable. However, political realities complicate this, with mechanisms such as reallocating Israel's frozen assets or Palestinian tax revenues suggested as potential solutions. The international community could enforce Israel's responsibility through these indirect mechanisms, deterring future aggression.
Israel's involvement in the reconstruction process must be carefully managed to avoid undermining the political legitimacy and dignity of the Palestinian people. Any role for Tel Aviv should be limited to technical responsibilities under international supervision. A fair reconstruction model must hold Israel accountable while centering on the will of the Palestinian people, ensuring that recovery does not become another tool of control.