Gaza Between International Competition and Regional Rivalry Over Reconstruction Efforts

Introduction:

In the aftermath of the genocide war on the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian scene entered a highly complex phase in which humanitarian, political, economic, regional, and international dimensions intersect. The war left widespread destruction in infrastructure and the means of life, and deepened the structural crises the Strip has suffered from since the years of the siege, opening the door to a wave of international and regional initiatives seeking to participate in reconstruction. However, this crowding of proposals and approaches has reproduced manifestations of political and geopolitical competition over managing the post-war phase, turning the reconstruction file into a new arena for the struggle over influence and interests, more than a purely humanitarian and developmental process.

This paper seeks to analyze the tracks of international competition and regional rivalry over the Gaza reconstruction file, by unpacking the differing roles and interests of the active parties — whether international, Arab, or regional — and their impact on the unity of Palestinian decision-making and its sovereignty over the reconstruction process. This paper also aims to explore the prospects for building a unified Palestinian vision that redirects the reconstruction process within a comprehensive national framework, ensuring integration between humanitarian and developmental efforts, and establishing the principle of Palestinian leadership over the entire process.

Proceeding from this, this paper addresses the general context of the post-war phase, and reviews the nature of the initiatives and programs proposed for reconstruction, and the points of divergence between the different frameworks of reference on which they are based, before presenting a strategic vision for a Palestinian outlook capable of unifying efforts, achieving equity in distribution, and ensuring the sustainability of development in the Gaza Strip, in a manner consistent with national priorities and the requirements of comprehensive recovery.

Prepared by: Dr. Raed Mohammed Halas