Conclusion of the Series of Consultative Meetings on Relief and Recovery in Palestine

Press Release

Ramallah, March 26, 2025 – The sixth and final consultative meeting on relief and recovery in Palestine was concluded today at the Palestinian Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS). This meeting is part of a civil initiative launched by MAS in Ramallah in collaboration with PalThink in Gaza, aiming to enhance the exchange of verified information, coordination, and integration among various stakeholders involved in comprehensive relief efforts and early recovery.

Since the outbreak of the recent war, MAS has been committed to monitoring developments, assessing their impacts, and engaging in public policy discussions with experts from various sectors. The organization of these consultative meetings stemmed from the urgent need to mobilize Palestinian and international efforts, improve the effectiveness of relief interventions, and ensure transparency in the programs and plans of international organizations and governmental institutions.

Over the past months, five closed consultative sessions were held, with broad and diverse participation from experts representing Palestinian civil institutions and the social and economic development sectors. The institute also hosted representatives from governmental bodies, international organizations, and NGOs to discuss relief and recovery efforts.

In the fifth session, which was attended by the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Wael Zaqout, discussions focused on balancing emergency response with long-term planning and ensuring alignment between the Palestinian recovery plan and Egyptian and Arab initiatives in this context.

In today's final meeting, participants reviewed the damage assessment report prepared by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Union. Discussions covered the methodologies used to assess the extent of damages, losses, and reconstruction needs, as outlined in their "Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment" report. The meeting also addressed the overarching framework for reconstruction and the role of the socio-political economy in rebuilding Gaza, emphasizing the need to restore Gaza’s historical social and cultural fabric while preventing any undesirable demographic changes.

Furthermore, MAS Director General Raja Khalidi highlighted the "political and security risks surrounding the prospects for relief and reconstruction, given Israeli threats of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the potential full reoccupation of Palestinian territories in the near future." He added, "Unfortunately, from the beginning of this aggression, we underestimated its scale, cost, impact, and consequences. We did not believe that Israel was truly capable and willing to continue such a war of extermination, or that the world would allow it. Therefore, it is also necessary to develop alternative plans to address all possible scenarios, both best and worst."

This dialogue represents a significant step towards strengthening community and professional engagement in supporting official Palestinian efforts and reinforcing the role of international organizations that advocate for Palestinian rights.

MAS will soon publish a summary of the discussions from all sessions, providing a scientific and systematic review of recent relief, recovery, and reconstruction issues with contributions from all relevant stakeholders and experts.