MAS's DG Calls for Palestinian-Led Reconstruction and Relief in Gaza (DW)
Raja Khalidi, Director General of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), has emphasized the urgent need for a Palestinian-led and internationally supported reconstruction plan for Gaza, as the humanitarian situation in the enclave continues to deteriorate.
Speaking to DW from Ramallah, Khalidi outlined that immediate relief efforts must take precedence before long-term rebuilding can begin. “For the coming year, we’re going to be totally preoccupied with preparing for rebuilding — but more importantly, providing relief,” he said. “This includes food, medicine, clean water, energy, and most urgently, temporary shelter. Many families are now facing their third winter under plastic.”
Khalidi underscored that Palestinian institutions already possess a comprehensive relief, rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction framework, which has informed the Egyptian and Arab regional plans. He stressed that international involvement — including potential oversight from institutions such as the World Bank — must support rather than override Palestinian ownership of the process.
“The authority in Gaza to do the reconstruction — the vision for rehabilitation and delivery of services — must be governed by the Palestinians themselves,” Khalidi affirmed. “Palestinian ownership and leadership are essential for a sustainable recovery.”
Addressing concerns about governance and aid mismanagement, Khalidi noted that a legitimate, unified Palestinian government is a prerequisite for rebuilding. He pointed to the French–Saudi initiative endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly as a viable framework, envisioning a transition toward the State of Palestine.
“The only legitimate Palestinian government will have to be linked to the State of Palestine — an inevitability already taking shape in the Palestinian Authority,” he said. “This transition is key to ensuring effective governance and accountability.”
Khalidi dismissed fears that reconstruction aid might be diverted to militant groups, emphasizing that international oversight combined with Palestinian governance and a UN-sanctioned multinational mechanism could safeguard the process.
“If Israel takes its hands off and leaves us to sort out our affairs — and if the international community respects Palestinian sovereignty — then Palestine will be a partner for peace, development, and economic cooperation,” he concluded.