In the aftermath of a protracted 15-month war between Hamas and Israel, Hamas has unveiled an extensive 200-page reconstruction blueprint titled “Gaza Phoenix”, aiming to spearhead the rehabilitation and future development of the Gaza Strip.
This initiative displayed to the world Hamas’s intent to reassert its role as the primary governing authority in the region, despite enduring significant military setbacks during the war.
Immediate Priorities
The “Gaza Phoenix” plan delineates a phased approach to reconstruction, addressing both urgent needs and long-term aspirations. In the immediate term, the focus is on formalizing displacement camps by establishing structured shelters for the vast number of Palestinians who have been displaced due to the conflict.
Additionally, the plan prioritizes repairing healthcare facilities to restore hospitals and clinics, ensuring that essential medical services are available to the population. Another critical component is clearing the estimated 42 million tonnes of debris caused by the widespread infrastructure destruction, which is necessary to enable rebuilding efforts.
Furthermore, restoring law and order is a major objective, with security forces expected to be deployed across the Gaza Strip to maintain stability and public safety.
Long-Term Vision
Beyond immediate recovery efforts, the plan articulates ambitious long-term projects aimed at transforming Gaza’s socio-economic landscape. Economic revitalization is a central theme, with a strong focus on developing a tourism-centric economy that could attract visitors and stimulate financial growth.
The plan also proposes the creation of a “green belt”, which would establish green spaces to enhance environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life for Gaza’s residents.
Another major proposal includes the construction of artificial islands, modeled after Dubai’s man-made developments, to expand habitable and commercial areas.
Additionally, the plan suggests an underground connector linking all major cities within Gaza, though this proposal is expected to be controversial given Israel’s longstanding concerns over Hamas’s use of subterranean tunnel networks.
Challenges and Considerations
The successful implementation of the Gaza Phoenix plan faces several hurdles. One of the biggest challenges is securing international funding. While direct financial support from international donors to Hamas-led municipal governments is unlikely due to political considerations, aid organizations that have historically collaborated with Gaza’s local administrations might play a key role in project execution.
Another pressing issue is the scale of infrastructure devastation, as reports indicate that approximately 93% of homes in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage, highlighting the immense reconstruction required.
The displacement crisis also poses a major challenge, as hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are expected to return to northern Gaza, necessitating the urgent establishment of temporary shelters and restoration of basic services in areas where infrastructure has been decimated.
Notably, the long-term feasibility of the plan is heavily dependent on the stability of the ceasefire, as renewed hostilities or a potential re-occupation of Gaza by Israel would present a fundamental threat to any reconstruction efforts.
International Dynamics
Foreign stakeholders, particularly Gulf States, view Gaza’s reconstruction as an opportunity to exert influence in the post-war context. However, they are likely to demand a comprehensive and internationally endorsed plan that ensures stability and grants a degree of Palestinian autonomy before committing substantial resources.
The Gaza Pheonix Plan: A Final Note
While the Gaza Phoenix plan reflects Hamas’s determination to lead Gaza’s recovery and outlines a vision for its future, the realization of this blueprint will require navigating complex political landscapes, securing international collaboration, and addressing the extensive infrastructural challenges that lie ahead.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire poses a major obstacle, as any renewed hostilities or potential re-occupation could derail reconstruction efforts and further destabilize the region.
