Gaza due for reconstruction after the reconciliation

Shaima Mustafa
2011-05-10

By: Shaima Mustafa
Islamonline.net-Gaza

Thousands in Gaza are anxious about the reconciliation with hope of rebuilding their homes that have been lost during the last Israeli war over 2 years ago. The reconciliation agreement that was signed by Fatah and Hamas, ending the division and conflict that lasted over four years.

“The reconciliation took place…I want them to rebuild my home. What are they waiting for? I’m tired of waiting,” said Nizar Sultan, one of the many Palestinians whose homes are still in ruins.

A dream revitalized

Abu-Mohammed Al-Atatra expressed to “Islam Online”: “the dream of rebuilding our homes after the Israeli war is a dream that was long lost for over two years. We are used to homelessness; it’s a part of our daily lives.”

“But now, and after the reconciliation, that dream of rebuilding our homes is revitalized. We no longer want to think about how we’ll live and survive through the cold winters and scorching summers.”

His neighbor, Abu-Khaled Abd-Rabuh, whose three-story home had been destroyed, and two children had been killed said pessimistically, “I don’t want to get too hopeful, unless I see something actually taking place; not before the bulldozers start to remove the rubbles. Hopes and dreams are no longer beautiful. They’re just exhausting.” “I’m afraid that the reconciliation will just end up being on paper; simply talk. No more, no less,” he added.

University Student Ibrahim Ayaash stated: “the rebuilding will perhaps not occur within the upcoming few months, because there are many conflicts ahead of this reconciliation. For one, Israel will never acknowledge a government that includes members of Hamas. Also, the international community, headed by the U.S. will not accept a government that does not acknowledge Israel. Therefore, the affairs of thousands of displaced families will remain hanging.”

Previously, major countries held a meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, about a month after the end of the Israeli war, promising to donate $5 billion US to reconstruct Gaza. A promised that still remains unfulfilled.

Optimism

Dr. Mueen Rajab, economical expert and analyst affirmed to “Islam Online” that the Palestinian reconciliation awakened a long awaited dream for thousands of Palestinian families that were displaced by the Israeli war, especially now, with the opening of the Rafah crossing, all materials needed for reconstruction will be available.

“We are very optimistic that the wheel of reconstruction will start to turn very soon now that the reconciliation is signed. There will be no more conflicts and division.”

He pointed out that the Arab and international stance that stood in the way of the reconciliation is no more.

“These stances changed with the end of the division, especially Egypt, which completely changed its demeanor after the revolution, promising to open the Rafah crossing, allowing us to import cement and all required construction material without any restrictions or constraints…Qatar as well increased its efforts. If it wasn’t for the reconciliation none of this would have happened.”

Arab initiative

Ismail Haniyeh, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority announced in Saturday, May 7th that many Arab countries, including Qatar, expressed their preparation to immediately undertake the rebuilding process in Gaza.

In a speech made by Haniyeh at the opening of a hospital in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, he mentioned that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, ensured, during a phone conversation a few days ago, that Qatar is prepared to immediately begin the reconstruction project.

He considered that the reconstruction process is “currently being practically implemented,” pointing out that the priority of the future government is to rebuild what had been destroyed in Gaza.

Source: IslamOnline.
Link: http://www.islamonline.net/en/IOLArticle_C/1278407867846/1278406708816/IOLArticle_C.