Gazan hopes pinned on 'second phase' to speed up reconstruction

In the Gaza Strip, residents and economic circles are awaiting the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement to accelerate the reconstruction of homes and facilities destroyed after three years of displacement. The affected demand an immediate start to reconstruction, payment of compensation, and the introduction of temporary housing solutions such as caravans. Experts estimate the reconstruction cost at about $150 billion, which may take 10 to 14 years, with an emergency plan to remove 70 million tons of rubble.

In the Gaza Strip, a state of anticipation and hope prevails among the popular and economic circles for the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement to end the war of genocide, aiming to accelerate the reconstruction of homes and facilities destroyed by the occupation, after three years of living in harsh conditions between tents and open air. Affected individuals confirmed in interviews with the newspaper "Filastin" that the utmost priority is to begin reconstruction operations immediately without delay, with the need for clear timelines. They called on donor countries to direct financial support directly towards the housing sector, pointing to the need for two parallel tracks: introducing temporary housing solutions such as caravans, and accelerating the rebuilding of destroyed homes. Citizen Sameh al-Khawas said that his family's four-story house has become uninhabitable, leading to the displacement of more than 25 individuals. He stressed that life has become extremely difficult with the deterioration of economic conditions and the spread of diseases among children. For his part, Eng. Nabil Abu Maileq, former head of the Contractors Union, stressed the need to facilitate the entry of machinery and equipment for contracting companies that have suffered heavy losses, and called for the payment of compensation to the private sector. Economic expert Dr. Walid al-Jadi believes that reconstruction may take 10 to 14 years, with an estimated cost of about $150 billion. He pointed to an emergency plan to remove 70 million tons of rubble and provide temporary housing, as part of what is known as early recovery. On Friday, Hamas said it had dealt positively with the negotiations, stressing the need for the occupation to adhere to the provisions of the first phase. The Peace Council also announced a roadmap to complete the implementation of the agreement, including Israel's commitment to the Sharm el-Sheikh protocol and the preparation of a timetable within 14 days.