It has now become an official rumour that the international community is preparing to pour up to $10 billion into the Gaza Strip to rebuild and revitalize that land’s shattered, stagnated economy. These funds will be spread over a period of 3-4 years, if and when the Israeli army and Jewish settlers withdraw and return the 40% of Gaza’s real estate that they have seized from Gaza’s Palestinians.

At least one citizen of the Gulf States stepped forward to ‘buy out’ the settlers, who, under international law and an Israeli government decision, were legally bound to withdraw anyway. Apparently this ‘noble-minded’ Gulf national had both Palestinian and Israeli intermediaries, but got a little ahead of himself in his eagerness to cash in on the profits to be had in the Gaza Strip. Gazans were amazed at this news, pointedly wondering why the Arabian ‘philanthropist’ had not stepped in to volunteer his millions earlier, like the beloved Sheikh Zayyed of the Emirates, who generously built housing projects for the needy without thought of gaining profits on the backs of disposed Palestinians.

Later this month, private sector investors will gather in Cairo, along with the donor community, to begin formulating a plan to rebuild Gaza. Both the private sector and the United Nations Development Programme/Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People will be hosting the conference. The meeting, entitled the Gaza Economic Forum, is intended to streamline and prioritize Gaza projects in the private and public spheres.

The Gaza Strip’s current 1.3 million population is projected to double by 2020. If Israel keeps its threat to shut its doors completely to Gaza’s workers by the year 2008, then jobs for the over 130,000 Gazans who once worked in Israel will have to be created fast.

On the face of it, $10 billion seems an enormous sum for the development of 360 sq. km. of land. However, huge sums of money are no guarantee of success. Without thoughtful, socially conscious planning, meticulous execution and fiscal integrity, there is a good chance these funds will be squandered. If the Palestinian Authority, the private sector and the international community cannot successfully rebuild Gaza, their leadership will have proven itself bankrupt.

With a large and talented labour force, vast and fertile agricultural lands, a fabled fishing fleet, fabulous, unspoiled beachfronts, dazzling local cuisine, and a storied history to rival any city on the Arab Mediterranean, how can they fail?

Article Photos by: George Azar