Gaza, Palestine – Dr. Faisal Abu Shahla, a member of the Palestinian Central Council, stated that removing the rubble from the Gaza Strip and rebuilding it could take years. He emphasized that citizens cannot be left to live in uninhabitable tents given the scale of the destruction. During an interview on the “World Tomorrow” program on Channel 1, Abu Shahla explained that the Palestinian leadership accepted the Sharm El-Sheikh peace initiative on the basis of halting the aggression against the Gaza Strip. The leadership entered a temporary phase aimed at restoring life to the Strip while maintaining communication with the West Bank. This phase will continue until the establishment of the Palestinian state, which has been recognized by 160 countries worldwide. He noted the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, comprised of competent national figures. The committee also includes a number of Gazans. He acknowledged the extreme difficulty of its tasks given the widespread destruction and immense humanitarian needs. However, he affirmed that sincere intentions and diligent work can contribute to improving the lives of citizens and providing them with relief. He added that serious efforts will also facilitate the entry of essential materials, the commencement of reconstruction, and the reopening of universities, schools, and hospitals.
Abu Shahla affirmed his full support for the National Committee, clarifying that it is a temporary body. He emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and continuing coordination with the Palestinian National Authority during the transitional phase. However, he stressed that priority must be given to providing relief to citizens and alleviating their suffering. He explained that the Palestinian National Authority, in partnership with Egypt, has prepared a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Egypt adopted the plan and presented it to the international community. He noted that the plan begins with an early recovery phase, given that approximately 85% of the Strip’s buildings have been destroyed. He added that the first phase includes debris removal, land leveling, and the provision of basic infrastructure. In addition, the plan includes the construction of temporary housing and prefabricated buildings (caravans) to shelter citizens. He emphasized that the Strip requires comprehensive reconstruction to guarantee a minimum standard of living until full reconstruction is completed. In the same context, Dr. Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, announced the formation of a team tasked with managing various portfolios. This team includes specialists in the fields of economics, agriculture, health, housing, justice, interior, municipalities, finance, social affairs, education, and communications.
