United Nations experts issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that any reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip are doomed to fail unless Israel’s occupation is brought to an end. They stressed that rebuilding initiatives must be firmly grounded in human rights principles and the right to Palestinian self-determination.
In a powerful statement, the experts asserted, “The occupation must end, and the dispossession and discrimination against Palestinians must stop if rebuilding is to have any real chance of success.”
Citing the comprehensive Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, the experts highlighted the devastating scale of destruction: over 371,000 housing units have been destroyed or damaged, leading to the displacement of 1.9 million people. A staggering 60% of the population remains homeless, with reconstruction costs projected to exceed $71 billion.
They further noted that the assessment data “confirms a pattern of structural discrimination that reconstruction efforts must urgently correct rather than reproduce,” pointing out that women, persons with disabilities, and older people are experiencing disproportionate hardship.
The experts underscored the necessity for reconstruction to be inclusive, participatory, transparent, and accountable. They insisted that Palestinians must be central to shaping decisions, aligning with their right to self-determination under international law.
Concerns were also raised regarding the governance of the reconstruction process. The experts observed that the assessment fails to specify who would oversee rebuilding or whether the “Board of Peace” proposed by former US President Donald Trump aligns with international legal frameworks.
Furthermore, a critical concern was the assessment’s insufficient integration of human rights principles. The experts warned that an overemphasis on financial needs and infrastructure could inadvertently reduce housing to mere shelter provision, neglecting the crucial aspects of dignity, security, and long-term sustainability. They cautioned that without robust safeguards for vulnerable groups, reconstruction could devolve into “a race for profits.”
“Reconstruction is not only about rebuilding structures – it is about restoring rights, dignity and equality,” the experts affirmed. They implored states and donors to prioritize human rights in Gaza’s reconstruction, warning that a failure to do so “risks entrenching injustice and prolonging the suffering of Palestinians for generations.”
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