jordan pulse -
Prepared by:
Ahmad Abdelbaset Rjoub
Civil Engineer, Researcher, and Strategic Planner
February 2025
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Gaza Reconstruction and the Issue of Displacement
Introduction
A statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the displacement of Gaza residents and the reconstruction of the sector under U.S. supervision has sparked widespread international reactions. While some view the proposal as a practical solution to end the crisis, others—including nations and human rights organizations—reject it as a violation of Palestinians' rights to remain on their land.
The key question remains: How can Gaza be reconstructed without infringing on the rights of its residents?
Gaza faces severe economic, social, and political challenges, necessitating sustainable solutions that ensure stability and resilience. This proposal outlines developmental strategies that support reconstruction while leveraging international legal mechanisms to prevent forced displacement.
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Objectives
1. Support Gaza residents' stability through job creation and improved living conditions.
2. Align reconstruction efforts with the population’s needs.
3. Utilize Gaza’s natural resources, such as coastal areas, for economic projects.
4. Apply international legal pressure to protect residents' rights and prevent displacement.
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Project Pillars
1. Developmental and Reconstruction Projects
Launch modern infrastructure projects to boost the local economy.
Build sustainable housing for displaced families.
Develop agricultural and industrial projects to enhance food security.
Implement renewable energy projects, such as solar power, for long-term sustainability.
2. Investment Projects on Gaza’s Coast
Establish investment zones along the proposed coastal area to stimulate economic growth.
Develop eco-friendly tourism projects to employment opportunities.
Create free industrial zones to boost local production and exports.
3. Recreational Beach Project for Gaza Residents
Designate a private beach for recreation and leisure.
Develop tourism infrastructure to enhance quality of life.
Promote domestic tourism to improve economic conditions.
4. International Legal Pressure
Document human rights violations related to forced displacement.
Work with international organizations to take legal action against displacement efforts.
Submit periodic reports to relevant authorities to ensure continuous monitoring.
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Priorities
1. Healthcare Sector
Rebuild and operate hospitals and medical centers.
2. Water Sector
Restore drinking water wells and treatment plants.
3. Sanitation Sector
Reestablish sewage services to prevent disease outbreaks.
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Expected Outcomes
Strengthened social and economic stability in Gaza.
Lower unemployment through investment and development.
Improved infrastructure and living conditions.
Increased international awareness to prevent forced displacement.
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Gaza Reconstruction and Utilizing War Debris for Development
Reconstruction efforts can be optimized by dividing Gaza into governorates and assigning projects to multiple companies. War debris can be repurposed for:
1. Land Reclamation Along Gaza’s Coast – Similar to projects like The Pearl and Lusail in Qatar, debris can be used to expand urban areas.
2. Recycling Concrete Rubble – Reused for construction and infrastructure.
3. Recycling Extracted Iron – Used in steel manufacturing to support the local economy.
4. Transforming Reclaimed Areas into Investment Projects – Developing residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to generate employment and economic growth.
This initiative requires geological studies to ensure safety and should be backed by international donors, including the European Union and Arab nations.
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The Issue of Gaza Residents' Displacement
1. Legal Dimension
UN legislation protects the right to remain in one’s homeland.
International law criminalizes forced displacement.
Historical examples, such as South Africa’s apartheid, that lasting solutions require coexistence, not displacement.
2. Humanitarian Dimension
Displacement worsens humanitarian crises.
Refugees face identity loss and economic instability in host countries.
Stability comes from ensuring residents' rights and providing dignified living conditions.
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Potential Risks Hindering Reconstruction
1. Ensuring war debris does not contain harmful materials affecting water and marine life.
2. Monitoring water quality and conducting biodiversity tests.
3. Removing unexploded ordnance for public safety.
4. Addressing soil degradation and rehabilitating agriculture.
5. Implementing psychological and community rehabilitation programs, especially for children.
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Key Focus Areas
Ensuring Residents Stay in Their Homeland – Prioritizing developmental projects over displacement.
International Legal Pressure – The Palestinian Authority and civil society must file cases to hold Israel and the U.S. accountable for destruction.
Global Case Studies – International conflict resolutions emphasize protecting rights over forced displacement.
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Recommendations
Intensify diplomatic efforts to rally international support for reconstruction.
Establish an Arab and international coalition for fair and sustainable rebuilding.
Pursue legal action against those responsible for Gaza’s destruction.
Integrate economic development with legal strategies to safeguard residents’ rights and stability.
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Implementation Mechanism
If divided into governorates, Arab nations could complete reconstruction within 5–7 years.
Multiple companies should be assigned per governorate to ensure efficiency.
Establish an Arab-international reconstruction fund managed by a specialized committee.
Encourage investment in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and energy.
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Conclusion
This proposal outlines a roadmap for sustainable development that protects Gaza residents’ rights while fostering reconstruction and economic growth. By integrating legal action with developmental projects, it ensures population stability and resilience.
May God grant success.