Gaza reconstruction delayed by lack of clarity on process
Egypt and Qatar promised to provide about $1 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza, but there is still no clear agreement on the reconstruction mechanism, how the reconstruction funds will enter and who will lead the process.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Egypt announced on May 18 that it would provide $500 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, severely destroyed by the 11-day Israeli offensive. This was followed by a similar Qatari pledge on May 26. But ever since the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was announced on May 20, there has been no clear agreement on the reconstruction mechanism, on how the reconstruction funds will enter into play and who will manage the process.
During a press conference in Gaza on June 9, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestine Lynn Hastings called on the international community and international institutions to exert more efforts to help the people of the Gaza Strip.
Hastings said that goods, building materials and aid currently entering Gaza only account for 50% of the quantities that would flow into Gaza before the latest Israeli escalation.
Israel continues to partially close the crossings as part of its pressure on Hamas.
