TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip - most of which had been destroyed during the 50-day conflict with Israel - is estimated to cost 6 billion Euro or US$7.7 billion, according to an expert in Palestine yesterday.
The Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, an arm of the Palestinian Authority that oversees the implementation of donor-financed projects said that the reconstruction project will take about five years to complete, that is, if Israel agrees to completely lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Since 2006, Israel has been imposing a blockade on the Strip to stop construction materials from coming in to the occupied territory - out of fear that militants may use them to build fortifications and underground tunnels.
Under the recent ceasefire agreement signed in Cairo, Egypt, Israel is expected to ease the blockade, but construction materials will still not be allowed to enter Gaza through Gaza-Israel borders.
The coastal enclave, home to 1.8 million people, and shares a border with Israel and Egypt was extensively destroyed between July 8-August 26, in the third outbreak of violence within the past six years.
The conflict has claimed the lives of 2,140 Gaza residents, obliterated thousands of homes, destroyed the only power plant in the enclave and razed tens of factories to the ground.
However, there is a silver lining to the tragedy. A group of 13 Palestinian experts are saying that the 1,800,000-2,200,000 tons of rubbles could be used to extend Gaza’s territory through reclamation.
An international aid donor conference for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip is slated to happen at the end of September, either in Egypt or Norway.
Antara | Ella Syafputri
