Ali Shaath Reveals Features of Gaza Reconstruction: 7 Years for Recovery

Dr. Ali Shaath, head of the Technocrat Committee for the administration of the Gaza Strip, affirmed that the committee's essential mission is to provide decent living conditions that preserve the dignity of the Palestinian citizen. Shaath, based on his professional experience, estimated that the Strip needs seven years of hard work to return to a better state than it was before.

Shaath explained that the reconstruction plan, prepared in cooperation with the World Bank and relevant ministries, is based on three main stages: emergency relief, which extends for six months; recovery, which takes two and a half years and includes the restoration of infrastructure and basic facilities; and then reconstruction and development.

Regarding the rubble, Shaath estimated that its removal would not take more than three years. Part of it will be recycled to create additional areas in the sea, and the rest will be used in construction materials to protect the environment.

The committee prioritizes water, electricity, and education files:

Water and Sanitation: Desalination plants will be maintained and new ones established, with an emphasis on adhering to the internationally stipulated "Mekorot" water lines. Treatment plants, about 25-30% of which were destroyed, will also be repaired.

Electricity: The sector currently operates with only about 60-70 megawatts out of the 150 megawatts it needs. Work is underway to restart the damaged power plant and improve the efficiency of the line coming from Egypt.

Education: Shaath stressed the need to compensate students for the loss of two and a half years of education, with the possibility of recruiting teachers from the West Bank.

Dr. Shaath affirmed that the Technocrat Committee works in full integration with the Palestinian Authority and Arab countries, relying on the Palestinian Basic Law as the sole reference. He clarified that the committee does not possess political or military powers, as these files fall within the jurisdiction of the "Peace Council" and the "International Stabilization Force." The committee's scope of work (currently covering 50% of the Strip) will gradually expand as the occupation army withdraws eastward under the Gaza agreement.

The commission's operations will be funded through a dedicated fund at the World Bank, relying on Arab and international donations. Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey announced in a joint statement on Wednesday evening the completion of the committee's formation, headed by Ali Shaath, considering it a pivotal step to improve humanitarian conditions. This move comes amidst a tragic reality left by the war of annihilation, where more than 242,000 Palestinians have been recorded as martyrs or injured, and widespread destruction has affected most cities in the Strip.