اتحاد بلديات قطاع غزة يطلق خارطة طريق لإعادة الإعمار والتنمية المستدامة

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Combining Immediate Interventions with Strategic Planning
The Gaza Strip Union of Municipalities Launches a Roadmap for Reconstruction and Sustainable Development

The President of the Gaza Strip Union of Municipalities and Mayor of Gaza, Dr. Yahya Al-Sarraj, has launched the "Phoenix Framework for the Reconstruction of Gaza," a comprehensive roadmap aimed at reconstruction and sustainable development in the aftermath of war and aggression. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Prosthetics Center, attended by Deputy Mayor of Gaza Tamer Al-Reyes, Municipal Council Member Dr. Ali Al-Habeel, Director of the Planning and Investment Unit in the Municipality Eng. Maher Salem, along with members of the media and journalists.

Dr. Al-Sarraj stated that the initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Gaza faces massive destruction due to the ongoing Israeli war of extermination. This war has inflicted severe losses in lives and property, leading to the collapse of infrastructure and basic services, and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

He added that the initiative represents a beacon of hope and a practical plan aimed at addressing current challenges. It combines rapid responses to urgent humanitarian needs with a sustainable reconstruction approach designed to strengthen Gaza's resilience in the long term.

The initiative adopts an innovative approach that integrates immediate interventions during the war with strategic planning for the post-war phase. It is based on a local vision that reflects the needs of Gaza's community while leveraging its social, cultural, and human potential despite the scale of destruction.

Dr. Al-Sarraj emphasized that the framework rejects portraying Gaza as a "blank slate" or a ground-zero point. Instead, it recognizes the value of the enduring social and spatial assets that persist despite destructive campaigns aimed at obliterating cities, populations, and the environment. The framework relies on these assets to rebuild Gaza while preserving its historical and cultural identity and strengthening its internal capacities to move forward toward a sustainable future.

He also highlighted that the framework is grounded in fundamental principles, most notably local ownership and community participation. These principles ensure that all segments of society are involved in the planning and implementation process, reflecting their genuine needs. The framework also focuses on sustainability by integrating short-term solutions with a long-term vision for comprehensive development.

Dr. Al-Sarraj pointed out that the framework places significant importance on preserving Gaza's cultural and social identity, rejecting externally imposed plans that disregard local contexts and Gaza's cultural heritage. Additionally, it emphasizes empowering the local community to play a key role in the reconstruction process.

The framework is the result of collective efforts by a wide range of experts and specialists, including academics, urban development professionals, and representatives of civil society. These contributors worked collaboratively to design a practical framework that addresses the unique challenges facing Gaza and facilitates comprehensive and sustainable recovery.

The President of the Union called on all local and international parties to support the "Phoenix Framework for Gaza" as a genuine opportunity for rebuilding Gaza. He stressed that this framework is not merely a plan but a call to achieve resilience and transform disaster into an opportunity to rebuild Gaza on principles of freedom, dignity, and independence.

He further urged all partners and the international community to stand with Gaza in this collective effort and turn this vision into reality, ensuring the sustainable recovery of the region.

Meanwhile, Eng. Maher Salem provided an overview of the initiative and the Phoenix Framework for Gaza Reconstruction. His presentation included the overall vision of the initiative, its methodology, the framework's structure, the roadmap of the Phoenix Initiative, and key recommendations. These recommendations encompassed essential components such as building back better, future expansion, economic development, and core planning concepts.