The Palestinian NGOs Network Position On the Reconstruction of Gaza

The Palestinian NGOs Network Position On the Reconstruction of Gaza.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has gravely deteriorated as a result of the recent Israeli aggression and the continuous siege imposed over 20 months ago.

PNGO acknowledges that the relief and reconstruction process requires the mobilization of significant human and financial resources and, hence, a well-coordinated action. Thus, priorities must be identified on the ground, and the mechanisms for the implementation of the necessary measures must be promptly defined, in order to make sure that the reconstruction process responds to the needs of the people, and that the required actions are carried out efficiently to alleviate their suffering.

PNGO believes that the success of the reconstruction efforts highly depends on the achievement of national unity and the overcoming of the internal divisions, whether administrative, legal or political. In other words, national unity is a pre-requisite for the proper alignment of efforts, in order to avoid the political polarization of the process.

In the light of the pledges made by the various donors willing to contribute to the reconstruction, as well as the discussions about the administration of these funds and its purported responsibility, PNGO would like to reiterate the following :

1)A successful, just and transparent reconstruction process can only be achieved by a “government of consensus” which overcomes the internal divisions.

2)The reconstruction process must be based on a comprehensive and independent national plan, developed on the basis of the humanitarian needs in Gaza ; thousands of families have lost their homes and sources of income leading them to suffer economic and social hardship.

3)Concerted efforts must be made to break the siege of Gaza to allow for the free access of all materials and equipment required for the reconstruction.

4)All actors should work in partnership to implement the reconstruction process independently from all political agendas.

5)PNGO condemns the use of the reconstruction for any political purpose, for this ignores the Palestinian priorities and deepens the rift within the Palestinian society

6)PNGO believes that if the formation of a “government of consensus” is not possible in the near future, the reconstruction process should be overseen by a (higher/supreme) national committee representing all stakeholders, mainly from the civil society and the private sector. The national committee should be supported by specialized technical committees from Ministries in Gaza and the West Bank.

7)A workable mechanism involving all stakeholders must be created to ensure the accountability and transparency of the reconstruction process.

The Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO)