By: Omar Shaban

The Gaza Strip is 360 Km2, inhabited by 1,700,000, and is part of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel in 1967. Both the Gaza strip and part of the West Bank have been ruled by the Palestinian Authority since 1994 in virtue of Oslo peace accord. The Israeli army and settlers disengaged from Gaza in August 2005, however Israel is still controlling the boarders, the sea and movement from and into the Gaza Strip. In 2006, the Hamas movement decided to participate for the first time in the 2nd parliamentarian elections taking place in January 2006, where it won the majority of seats of the Palestinian Legislative Council (the Palestinian parliament). The movement formulated the first government in March 2006 but, due to the rejection of the Hamas-led government to abide with the three conditions put by the international community (recognizing the state of Israel; recognizing the previous signed agreements between Israel and PLO; and denouncing violence), the Israeli government and the majority of international community imposed siege and boycott on the Strip.

Imposing blockade in June 2007

 In June 2007, when Hamas movement took over the Gaza Strip defeating the Palestinian national authority, Israeli government tightened the siege on the Strip and declared it as a “hostile entity”, which resulted on the following measures taken by the Israeli government; 

·         Restricting flow of goods and raw material into the Gaza Strip;

 ·         Restricting export of goods from the Gaza Strip;

 ·         Restricting the movements of the people from Gaza to the West Bank and Jerusalem;

 ·         Restricting the movement of the people from Gaza to outside world;

 ·         Denying access to the Gaza Strip‘s land. Territorial water and air space;

 ·         Restricting the transferring of the Israeli currency to the Gaza-based banks.

Consequences and impacts 

The blockade have impacted destructively all aspects of life: economy, youth, health, education, social fabrics. The Gaza society became aid-dependent, the private escort witnessed sever deterioration, the education system become disconnected with the rest world, hundreds of patients lost their lives  due to lack of better medical treatment and/or restriction on their mobility to travel outside Gaza for further medical treatment. The blockade on the Gaza Strip was eased after the flotilla incident in 31st of May 2010, when the Israeli government allowed the flow of the construction material into Gaza, but only for projects funded by international organizations. UNRWA was permitted to import construction materials to construct 20 new schools, while the total demand is estimated to be 400 news schools. Only 400 commodities are allowed into Gaza while the Gaza Strip was importing more than 7,000 items before June 2007. The Gaza strip is need for more 70,000 new housing units.   According to the Palestinian industrial federation (PFI), only 907 industrial firms are operating in the Gaza Strip out of 2,200 industrial firms (41%). The number of worker who is still working at these industrial firms decreased from 51,150 workers in the year 2000 to 12,870 (25%), while the working capacity of these firms is only 29% of its normal capacity. According to Israeli center for freedom of movement (GISHA), there is no shortage of food in Gaza but severs poverty has increased over the years of closure and travel restriction. GISHA estimated that more than 70% of the population receives humanitarian aid. Export from Gaza to Israel is entirely prohibited except for agriculture crops, which is approx. two trucks per day, counting only 1% of the export in the year 2005 . 

Since the blockade, the Israeli banks stopped dealing directly with Gaza-based banks. Accordingly, Ramallah-based banks became responsible to transfer the currency to their branches in Gaza Strip; the banking sector in the Gaza Strip faced serious problems in finding enough cash to fulfill its obligations towards their customers, which led to significant decline in the banking services. 

The blockade has led to the rapid growth of the tunnels black economy, which became the main source of life to the Gaza population.  While the black business is growing, the legitimate business has been shrinking. Recent reports stated that there are more than 850 new millionaires who made huge profit by trading in the tunnels. This has led to the distortion of the social fabrics. The trade volume between Gaza and Israel before the siege was US$ 1,200 Million per year; it dropped down to US$ 200 Millions in 2011. While the trade volume between Gaza and Egypt was US$ 30 Million, it rose up to became US$ 670 Million (tunnels economy). Having in mind that the tunnels business is not legal, do not pay taxes, don’t belief in registration, the new millionaires who made high profit out of the black trading they will be never be members of businessmen associations of chamber of commerce.

 The Gaza Chamber of commerce estimated that the Gaza strip loses a million dollars a day as a result of the stringent blockade imposed on Gaza for the last five years in total $2.6 billion. The report emphasized that the above-mention number does not include Israel’s latest war, which had severe consequences on the economy. That war cost Gaza over $1.3 billion plus the loss of between 60 and 80 thousand job opportunities.

 Last but not least, it might be possible to quantify the cost of blockade, but it would require in-depth and comprehensive study to assess the cost of blockade on other aspects such as the quality of life, level of tolerance, tendency towards peace, level of people’s rights and the social and political coherence. All these quality aspects were destructively damaged by the continuing blockade and the last Israeli war against the Gaza Strip.  

Annex 

Gaza access to outside trade:

 There are six crossings that connect The Gaza strip with outside world mainly with Israel which they are:  

1.     Rafah crossing at the Egyptian –Palestinian border and it is assigned for the movement of people.  

2.     Kerem Shalom crossing which is located within the Israeli land in the southeast of the Gaza Strip and it is assigned for the flow in and out of good from and into Gaza…

 3.     Erez "Beit Hanoun crossing is located in the north of the Gaza Strip and it connects Gaza with Israel and it is assigned for the crossing of people, diplomats, businessmen, international organization.

 4.     Al Montar/Karni crossing: it is located in the middle of eastern of Gaza city itself and it  was considered to be the primary crossing point for Gaza’s imports and exports from and into Israel. It has been closed entirely. 

5.     Sufa crossing which is located in the south f the Gaza Strip (east of Rafah City), was used for the imports of construction materials.

6.     Nahal Oz crossing which is located in east of Gaza City and is used exclusively to facilitate imports of Liquid Fuels and Gas from Israel

http://www.paralleli.org/news_dettaglio.php?id=554&a=2

Gaza, Edward Said forum- the cultural forum of PalThink for Strategic Studies has organized a seminar to discuss the situation of the Palestinian banking system , hosting Dr. Jehad Alwazir, governor of Palestine Monetary Authority,  as the main speaker. The seminar witnessed a great attendance by journalists, politicians, businessmen and academics the fact which enriched the discussion about the role of the banking system in tackling the blockade of Gaza and the Palestinian reconciliation.  

Dr. Alwazir started talking about the efforts which have been exerted to improve the performance of Palestine Monetary Authority. He stated that the past efforts concentrated on crisis management rather than improvement due to the hard circumstances that blew away the Palestinian people through the division, the blockade and the war.   He listed some efforts exerted during the phase of crisis management: 

- providing the25 bank branches of Gaza strip with fuel within the electricity crisis.  

- Applying the international standards of crisis management and providing alternative sites for the banks in case of any emergency. 

- Approving communication plan among the banks to maintain sufficient liquidity. 

- Liquidity rate has been increased for 1%. 

- applying the policy of the geopolitical volatile reserve in February 2011. 

- Specifying 15% of banks' profit for emergencies.   

Dr. Alwazir pointed out that money laundering law has been applied on the banks. Through the relationship with the Israeli central bank the spoiled currency has been replaced with new one the matter which eased the situation in Gaza banks. He asserted that there is no real shortage in the NIS currency, but the currency is accumulated in the money-changers' hands. Palestine Monetary Authority issued an order regarding the differences in money changing that the point of difference should not exceed 100 points on the screen.  He stated that “We have a strong banking system and vital capital market. We created a social security net to help credit institutions. Palestine Monetary Authority is a member in (G-20). The rate of banking facilities in comparison with deposits reached 51%. Deposit security institution is too established in 2012 in order not to be affected by any financial crisis. The risk of default in the banking system is only 2%.   Palestine Monetary Authority, too, issued a circulated note regarding the standards of employment and disposition in the Palestinian banks. It has been applied on the main staffs and it will be applied on the other bodies. A corporate governance manual has been approved, too, to be applied on the banking system.  He assured that there is a high liquidity in the banking system that Israel withdrew NIS 500 million from the Palestinian banks through the global financial crisis. 

Concluding the seminar, Omar Shaban, head of pal think for strategic studies, outlined the needs of the Palestinians in Gaza strip: 

1. The banks should be more flexible with the employees and the marginalized people. 

2. To promote and increase banks' contribution in the social responsibility. 

4. Procedures and loan value in effect in the banks of West bank should be the same as in their counterparts in Gaza strip.  

5. To increase bank's branches especially in the remote areas. 

6. To ensure transparency in employing fresh graduates and engage the fresh graduates in the banks' board of directors.  

Gaza,  1st of November 2011

Introduction
That aid is given with a political, cultural, social or ideological motive behind it is no secret. The seminar wanted to focus on how to use the aid given to the benefit of the Palestinian people, meaning a more efficient, transparent project funding and aid system.

PalThink organised the seminar to encourage rational and in depth debate amongst civil society actors, international organizations, de-facto authority in the Gaza Strip and international aid organizations themselves and the governments, both donors and receivers to critical examine the current system and see where there are gaps and what can be done to fill them which aim to enhance cooperation not confrontation

The seminar which was held in Gaza in Tuesday 1st of November 2011 was in two sessions, 1st “ Regional Support for the Gaza Strip – Turkey and Qatar’ and 2nd ‘Western Aid to the Palestinians’ and being presented by a specialist in the area. Following the sessions there were Q & A directed to the panels on the issues they have addressed. The seminar is organized within the project “Restoring the cooperation amongst community actors towards a reconciled and civilized society   which is implemented in cooperation between Palthink and FDFA of the Swiss government. Needless to say that the opinions on this report does neccesarily represent neither nietehr Palthink nor the donor.

Summary:

The seminar audience was more than 100 and showed a cross section of the Palestinian society. There were represents from the monetary authority, the media, university students – both female and male, and of course NGOs from various field, ranging from women’s rights to developmental ones. This led to a lively debate during the Q & A sessions and showed the large interests held by the Palestinian public on this topic.

The main theme were the conditioned aid and how there is no coordination and cooperation between the INGOs, NGOs and donors together with the Palestinian people’s needs. The theme of Palestinian ownership of the aid was prevalent, the people interest and needs should be the priority and therefore they have right to influence and evaluate the aid funded activities.

After a short welcoming speech by Omar Shaban, founder and director of PalThink for Strategic Studies, the presentation began.

Session 1 Regional Support for the Gaza Strip – Turkey and Qatar

Dr Adnan Abu Amer, Professor of Political Science

The question of Palestine is not a local matter, but has also regional implications. As such the one who can influence the PA will be viewed as a big player and have a say in the peace talks able to interact with the US, Russia and EU. Therefore Turkey and Qatar, while feeling a sense of brotherhood towards the Palestinian people, have political motives for their aid.

Qatar is still new in the area, but is trying to involve itself in the region not only by giving aid to the PA but also to Egypt, Syria and Libya. This is not an accusations but it is important to know the motivation behind the aid, to have a more transparent process which can help implement projects that are useful.

Following the internal split, aid has been predominantly going to the West Bank, to the PA rather than the Hamas Government. This has made the living standards of the West Bank and Gaza Strip different, where the Gaza Strip is in limbo, not dying, yet not living. At the same time the PA is more influenced by the wishes of donor countries as the aid they are receiving is mostly politically conditioned.

Alaa Ghalayini, Director of the NGO Development Center (NDC)

The NGO Development Center was created in 2006 with three objectives

1.    To provide quality services to the NGOs, e.g. human resources.

2.    To improve their efficiency and influence when implement projects, e.g. strategic planning.

3.    And to promote and develop the NGOs, e.g.  cross sector cooperation and coordination trough the NGO Portal online.

The Center is unique as it is the only Palestinian financial centre of its kind, and work with both the PA and the Hamas Government in the Gaza Strip.

As to the services and development of the NGOs, the Center has a variety of scholarships and grants; development grants, emergency grants and small scale grants. The range is from 250 000 to 400 000 USD depending on the type of grant.  Since the establishment of the Center 20 million USD have so far been granted to a variety of sectors; medical, agricultural, educational etc. The Center does not grant relief project unless it is in the format of labor intensive, using local labors to increase the employment level. Such relief projects, especially after the 2007 siege is beneficial to the community, building schools and libraries and hiring the labor and staff locally.

The grant process is in three steps, where the Center sends out their own experts to verify and examine the capabilities and sustainability of the project proposal. Furthermore the list of approved grant is published online for the public to see.

Ayman Ayesh, the Department of Institutions and Societies, Ministry of Interior (Government of Gaza)

The international aid available to the Government of Gaza was reduced after 2007, with many INGOs closing down their offices. Now many have re-opened again, and there are many new NGOs. The policy is to make sure that the registered INGOs and NGOs are working according to the law. There were many who failed, and so broke the law, to deliver and administrative and financial reports. Another point is that the Department tried to get a more coordinated NGO – government relationship to work towards development of the Gaza Strip.

The Government faced oppositions from INGOs who felt that they should be exempted; this was especially relevant when US funded INGOs wanted to be above the law, as they had been under the previous government of Gaza. The NGOs and Arabic funded INGOs had no problem with the registration request and understood that the Government wanted not to control them, but to create better coordination to better serve the Palestinian people. The aim is to make sure the political and social considerations of the Palestinian people are what are most important. By 2009, registration is now complete and a list of the NGO and INGOS working the in the Gaza Strip, and their financial reports, are available to the public.

Session 2 Western Aid to the Palestinians, Data and Results

Dr Khaled Shaban, MD, Researcher at the Palestinian Planning Center.

There are huge amount of money being donated as aid money to the PA. There are two types, as directly given by states to the PA or by donor’s states to NGOs. For example the EU distributing aid money to NGOs, here the NGOs can lose power, being limited in the programs by preconditions set by states. The US cutting funds to UNESCO is an example of political logic dictating aid and thus projects.

One of the objectives of the Western aid to change the culture of the Palestinian society, by funding programs or projects that also reflect the cultural values they want to see being promoted. They can tie this to projects and funding given to the judiciary or legislative sectors, the PLC, to promote laws which enable or change cultural values.

The largest donor in the Paris 2007 Conference was the Arabic Union, and the total aid pledged was 2.5 billion USD. Looking at a larger time frame 1993 – 2011 the EU is the largest donor contributor. The problem is that there can be no development under occupations, as what is build is later destroyed, and yet a major problem lies in coordination. With the multiple NGO’s and now with a NGO’s according to political affiliation there is no common agenda, no agreed upon meaning of the word development and thus little coherence in projects implemented. So we are not in a situation where the EU provides the money, but without anyone to receive the money who can present a united front that work for the interest of the Palestinian people. 

Mr. John Gatt- Rutter, EU Representative in the Palestinian Territories

John Gatt- Rutter confirmed that per capita the EU is the largest aid donor to the Palestinian people, 1 billion Euros, and that with the sum there is a responsibility. Since the EU is composed of different countries the aid is always critically revised in member countries. The aid is not meant to the mean in itself, but rather a mean to an end, the end being a viable Palestinian state.

The aid is thus given to lay the foundation, and it is important to always remember that goal. The chronic financial problem of the PA is nothing new, and is understandable with for obvious reasons, and the situation in Gaza in particular is unstable. The EU is against any territorial divide, and wants the West Bank and the Gaza strip to link up, both economically and politically. When it comes to the political decisions the EU is supportive and respects the right to self-determination.

This is an important point that Mr. Gatt – Rutter emphasized: the EU and its aid are not tied to the political decisions made by the PA. The decisions to go to the UN will not affect the aid. The aid is part of the EU ‘Neighborhood Policy’, a partnerships with the Palestinian leadership here the priorities are established jointly.

Some details of where EU aid is going into, as this has been asked by the audience earlier

•    PEGASE – the developmental cooperation mechanism that contribute to PA salaries and pensions, which 35% goes to Gaza.

•    Social allowances on a quarterly bases covering 50 000 household in Gaza.

•    PA arrears to private companies, to relieve the debt burden. 40% of those payments go to the private business sector in Gaza.

•    Electricity and infrastructure projects are also a priority, to reform and improve those to ease the burden on the Palestinian people.

•    UNRWA budget – 75% of the Gaza Strip population are registered as refugees. The EU are the largest contributor to them, and support its activities such as the Summer Camp activities, the special hardship cases since 2006 and emergency job creation programs with 80 million Euros.

•    Other activities are water management, technical assistance to create a social security scheme, education trough the Erasmus Mundus to allow to students to travel abroad and fund many other sectors.

The EU welcomes Turkey and Qatar aid as they will be now sharing the financial burden. The EU aid is not sustainable unless there is progress, and now with the European economy not doing well and with member states in financial troubles there is legitimate questions regarding the amount of aid the  EU are donating and the results; is peace, and a state any closer?

The EU are not here to do the work the PA or Israel, we can only support money wise. Te problem is not financial, it is political, and we are interested in solving this conflict. But justice and peace will only be provided by a political solution.

Mohsem Abu Ramadan, Head of Administrative Network of NGOs

Abu Ramadan returned to theme of tied aid, and wanted to stress that such aid is unstable since it is linked to political conditions that cannot always be met. Such funding is also not considering the needs and priorities of the receiving country and in the case of Gaza have helped contribute to the lack of comprehensive development plan.

Since 2000 the aid to the PA and the Palestinian society has doubled in size. The poor management of aid and no link to the political realties on the ground, such as for example the occupation, poverty, unemployment PA foreign debt are rising, with no sign of stability of development.

Recommendations

The audience was very interested in more data, statistics and figures of aid and which sectors are receiving it.  They were therefore interested public access towards financial and administrative reports of both INGOs, NGOs and the government financed projects this is to increase transparency and so prevent corruption or misuse of aid.

1.    To further support and promote the NGO Portal among the relevant actors will be beneficial, offering more coordination and avoid duplication of projects.

2.    To establish an open archive of aid given to the PA and NGOS will also help to create transparency and efficient use of aid.

3.    Developeing strategies (financial management, human resources, and business manamget) to help NGOs be self reliant are important. It will create an independent civil society and make it a stronger force to protect the interest of the people.

Through a meeting via video conference, Dr. Nasser Al-Qudwa, former Palestinian Ambassador to the UN in New York and ex-Palestinian Foreign Minister,

stats that going to the UN Security Council to get recognition of an independent Palestinian state is irreversible decision, and there are many possible Israeli scenarios would emerge on the ground.

Nasser Al-Qudwa was hosted by PalThink in the third session of " Face the Public Program" entitled," The September Entitlements… Reasons, Implications and Expected Scenarios". The session aimed at getting answers for the controversial questions circulated in the Palestinian society regarding the international recognition of the Palestinian state.

Commenting on FAQ, Dr. Nasser Al-Qudwa pointed out that the main motive behind the decision of the PA to go to the UN security council is that negotiations is no longer useful means besides the rigorous Israeli positioning towards the settlements issue and other related issues.

He asserted that the political and diplomatic Palestinian action is not new-fangled and it should continue. He stated that there are many UN resolutions which state that the Israeli existence on the Palestinian territories is illegal. " These resolutions are a good credit that we should draw upon in the international assemblies", Al-Qudwa said.  " This decision is irreversible… the meetings will start by the end of September, so the issue will be prolonged to October", he added.

Dr. Al-Qudwa denoted to the Palestinian diplomatic accomplishments, especially, in the UN calling for making advantage of this expertise.  He highlighted that there were many international attempts in the past to end the Palestinian existence in the UN; however, the Palestinians insisted on there right as the peace has not been restored yet.

He recommended the Palestinian parties with the following:

1) agree upon united political agendas.

2) achieve the Palestinian reconciliation

3) unify the bureaucratic body of the PA

4) involve all the political parties in the Palestinian decision making.

He said that in case the Palestinians get the international recognition, many issues and relations should be reconsidered such as: the legal status of the new state, Oslo agreement, the relation between the Palestinian government and the Israeli government, the issue of Israeli settlements and the Palestinian refugees.

PalThink hosts the Egyptian ambassador to the PA via video conference from Ramallah. The Ambassador promised more improvements on Rafah crossing and stated that Egypt does its best to prevent a new Israeli military operation against Gaza. 
His promises came through the second session of “Face the Public Program” that was launched by PalThink for Strategic Studies in cooperation with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) entitled " The Developments in Egypt and its Impacts on the Palestinian and Regional Situation".

Dr. Yasser Othman, the Egyptian ambassador, referred to the hard and complicated period of transition which the Egyptian face after the January 25 revolution stating that the true change has not occurred yet, and the stability of the Egyptian foreign affairs depends on the next elections. He stated some of the challenges which Egypt confronts currently, some of which are:  the division of the Sudan and its continuous crisis, the collapse of Libya, the circumstances resulted from the Arab spring, the challenges in relation to River Nile and the emergence of radical Israeli governments.

He said that the Palestinian and Egyptian situations are highly connected and confronting a difficult and dangerous circumstances. He denoted to the Egyptian efforts exerted for supporting the Palestinian cause after the revolution. " Egypt has been working on preventing any Israeli aggression against the Palestinians", Othman said.

In respect to the Palestinian reconciliation, he said,"  Signing the reconciliation treaty is a great step, there is an awareness that delaying the reconciliation caused a kind of frustration to the Palestinians… the reconciliation requires time and talks. It is not a matter of inflexible wording, it’s a matter of confidence and cooperation. The reconciliation does not only means signing a treaty, but also unifying the visions and denouncing exclusion".

He also highlighted the Egyptian support for the recognition of a Palestinian state next September denoting that Egypt is exerting efforts on all levels for the success of this step.

As regards Rafah crossing, he stated that Egypt is fully aware of the situation on the crossing asserting that the current difficulties refer to regulatory issues related to the instable security status in Egypt. He said that the main regulatory issues on the crossing is that the absence of the national security body which used to run the crossing. He talked about the problem of the lists of people banned from traveling, and that they are working on a mechanism for refining these lists on objective and professional basis, saying that this process will base on a bilateral cooperation between Egypt and the Palestinian territories.

On their part, the participants focused on the issues of pushing the reconciliation forward, and easing the suffering of the Palestinians on Rafah crossing. 

It is noteworthy that Egypt has opened Rafah crossing, the only outlet, before the movement of the Palestinians, but this movement is still limited. Palestinian travelers say that they face a lot of difficulties and restrictions on the crossing.

The workshop aimed at creating a discussion on visions to support the Palestinian reconciliation from the perspectives of media and academia. This workshop is deemed the first session of “Face the Public Program” that was launched by PalThink for Strategic Studies in cooperation with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), as a part of the project “Advancing Democracy in Palestine”. This project is supplementary to the 2010 project which aimed to achieve the same purpose; reinforcing democracy.

In respect to academia, Dr. Waleed Al Mdalal, professor of political science at the Islamic university, stated that universities have lost their independency for the interest of the political parties and no longer play effective role in the Palestinian society. He denoted that universities need to regain their independent identity and decisions,  and work away from the political theater. Focusing on the visions that may participate in improving the role of universities on the societal level, he showed up the necessity for: 1) establishing a general union for the universities' students councils. 2)  avoiding involving universities in the political differences and incitement. 3) operating the span of control and responsibility. 4) bridge the gap and build network among universities.

In the same context, Mukheimer Abu Saada, professor of political science at Al Azhar university, said that the reconciliation is stumbled due to the Israeli and American intervention in the Palestinian domestic issues, and the dispute between Hamas and Fatah. He asked academics and intellectuals to play a vital and main role to create positive and constructive changes in the issue of the reconciliation and the structure of the society. The universities shall introduce a concrete and authentic model for the societal reconciliation and represent an environment for tolerance and acceptance, Abu Saada said.

As regards media, Emad Al Efrangy, executive of Al Quds channel, stated that the Palestinian media should go deep in the issues in relation to the Palestinian cause and become an independent entity away from libel, mutual accusations and false news. He pointed out some visions that share in developing media such as: get rid of the political sovereignty on media, control criticism in a way that seems reasonable and true. It's important to avoid focusing on the figures whose actions and positions provoke tensions, he added.

For his part, Adel Al Zanoun, correspondent of Palestine TV, said that having a partisan media is not a shame, but it should follow the morals of work. He called for ending the culture of incitement and hatred, gather the efforts and get rid of dependency towards achieving the reconciliation. 

It is worth mentioning that the Palestinian parties signed a reconciliation treaty last April, but an impasse has occurred recently because of a dispute about electing the prime minister of the interim government.

Consequently, Pal-Think for Strategic Studies organized on 22nd June 2011 a seminar entitled " visions to support the reconciliation" as an activity in the project “Restoring Cooperation Amongst Community Actors towards Reconciled and Civilized Society" funded by the Swiss government. In the seminar, Palestinian academics and civil society activists called for holding  a public conference that includes different political spectrums, and practicing public pressure again.

The seminar aimed to discuss and offer legal, political, media and social visions to support the reconciliation, interim government and elections. The steering committee included the Palestinian Bar Association, Al Aqsa university and the university of Palestine. Although the seminar was held within the project “Restoring Cooperation Amongst Community Actors towards Reconciled and Civilized Society" funded by the Swiss government, the views in this report represent solely the researchers' views and it does not necessarily reflect the view of Pal-Think for Strategic Studies or the Swiss government.  

 
Summary:
Omar Shaban, head of pal think for strategic studies, asserted that the public state in Gaza strip is positive and the social impacts of the reconciliation emerge on the ground. However, this change may come to nothing if the leaders insist to postpone the practical steps of reconciliation. He added that the Arab and Egyptian positions currently play an effective role to bring the views of the Palestinian parties closer.

Khaled Safi,  professor of modern history, reviewed the challenges, obstacles and potential scenarios of the reconciliation. The Arab, regional and international interventions have a great effect on the future of reconciliation, Safi said. Not to  mention the Israeli policies whether by halting tax transfers or using peace agreement with the Palestinian side to obstruct forming any government may include Hamas members. As regards to the basics elements for successful reconciliation, he highlighted the necessity to continue the public pressure, and provide  media, political and finance support to confront any Israeli or American's threat. " we should create a social culture which reinforce political and social democracy, and renounce violence, hatred and fanaticism", he added "…   the more likely scenario for reconciliation is not to abide by the timed agenda the matter which requires new public pressure and mediations from time to time".

Salama Bseeso, vice- Chairman of Palestinian Bar Association, denoted to some visions to support reconciliation on the legal level. He highlighted the necessity for holding a public reconciliation conference that includes whoever suffered damage or loss during the internal fighting in 2007. He called for fair and independent judiciary through passing verdict and laws to rectify the laws passed through the previous four years. In respect to the interim government, Bseeso called for forming an independent legal committee to observe the interim government, activating elections law, and determining a date to carry the elections out.   

Hussein Abu Shanab, dean of faculty of media and communication- University of Palestine, said that media is the supreme authority in the society for it formulates the standards of success or failure. He called all parties to get rid of the foreign interventions, hatred, incitement and nepotism through a good faith, will and absence of foreign interventions. He called for forming a supreme media council which includes professional, experienced and responsible figures.

Challenges and Political Visions to Support Reconciliation
Dr. Khaled Safi,  professor of modern history- Al Aqsa University
The reconciliation is not pure Palestinian issue since the Palestinian parties are connected politically and financially with powers in the region. The Palestinian authority is bound by  financial, political and security agreements with the Israeli side. On the other hand, the leadership in Gaza Strip is connected with other Arab and regional powers. Therefore, there are subjective and objective obstacles and challenges that confront achieving the reconciliation on the ground.

Subjective (internal) challenges:
- Some figures in both Hamas and Fatah party hinder reconciliation for self interests. As those figures occupied important military and security position during the division, they now enjoy privileges and influences that they will never leave.
- There is no agreement on the political agenda among the same party. As there are groups who support the Islamic project and others support the national project. Some support negotiations and others support resistance.
- The Palestinian internal decision is not independent because of political and financial independency.
- The separation between Gaza strip and west bank the fact which weakens the political, social and public connection and communication between Gaza strip and West Bank.
- The fragile culture of democracy, the dominance of fanaticism and rejection of the others.

Objective (external) challenges:
- The intervention of Arab, regional and international parties.
- Israel's policies to hinder reconciliation through:
    – Halting tax transfers
    – Separating between Gaza strip and west bank
    – Exploiting peace treaties with Palestinians to hinder  forming any Palestinian government that doesn't meet Israel's interests.
    – The Israeli political and military superiority; checkpoints, discrimination wall, siege.
- The intervention of the Arab regimes in the Palestinian issue ( Syria and Qatar).
- The unconditioned American support for Israel.

Factors of successful reconciliation: 
- Both parties should recognize the significant of reconciliation for local, regional and international factors.
- Both parties should recognize the obstacles of reconciliation, confront them and turning the intentions into facts.
- Continuous public pressure.
- Supporting the unity government to achieve its program on all levels.
- Providing political, media and financial Arab support to confront any threat of stopping the American and foreign support.
- Providing regional support such as Turkey which had good relations with both Israel and Hamas.
- Launching diplomatic and media campaign to propagate the significant of reconciliation.
- Creating new social culture which reinforces democracy, freedom, tolerance and acceptance of the other.

The expected scenarios for reconciliation:
- The failure of talks and keeping the status quo in which each party accuses the other of being responsible for this failure.
- Postponing the reconciliation and not to abide by the timed agenda the matter which requires new public pressure and mediations from time to time.
- The success of reconciliation pursuant to the agreed upon timed agenda.

The Role of Media in Supporting Reconciliation
Dr. Hussein Abu Shanab, Dean of faculty of media and communication- University of Palestine
No doubt media has become the first and supreme authority in the society for it plays a big role in formulating the standards of success and failure. Therefore, it become necessity for media to play it's role in supporting one of the national purposes which is reconciliation. The following are methods, obstacles, requirements, and proposals to support the Palestinian reconciliation.

Fundamentals and principles to achieve reconciliation:
- Promoting the freedom of speech 
- Promoting democracy
- Activating civil society organizations and save them from control and corruption
- Developing the relations the intellectuals and politicians
- Protecting pubic institutions and properties
- Protecting media, journalism, journalists , academics and intellectuals.
- Creating and founding fair law and judiciary
- Reinforcing and deepening productive dialogue between the political and cultural civil society organizations the state which paves the way for the construction and development of the future state.
- Reinforce productive dialogue among the journalists themselves to create a transparent, honest and clear media message.
- Getting rid of the foreign interventions
- Putting social, political , intellectual gentlemen's agreement which all parties shall be abide by. 

The obstacles that impede achieving the reconciliation:
- The absence of trust
- The vagueness of media message 
- Incitement and provocative TV programs and shows
- Fanaticism
- Fanatic spokespersons
- The foreign backed media
- Restricting freedom of speech and chasing opponents
- Forcing reporters to use specific terms
- Absence of qualified and mature media authority  

The requirements of successful media role in reconciliation:
- Remove the aforementioned obstacles
- Forming a supreme media council of concerned, qualified, experienced and professional figures.
- Reconsidering the current media policy and guiding it a way from any partisanship.
- Reconsidering the factions' media and controlling it.
- Identifying information sources and clearing them.
- Establishing media training centers upon a clear policy run by concerned and qualified people.
- Putting gentlemen's agreement that bide all parties and people upon the laws in force.
- Reconsidering and developing press law. 
- Removing the terms and expressions which instigate division and replace them with terms and expressions of positive values. 

A proposal to create and support a media program that support and fortify reconciliation: 
- Forming qualified, independent and specialized committee in the field of media , politics. The committee should be able to communicate, cooperate with all parties and people away from fanaticism and factionalism. 

Legal Visions to Support Reconciliation, Interim Government and Elections
Mr. Salama Bseeso, vice- Chairman of Palestinian Bar Association   
The four-year rift have left harmful impacts on the social and legal status, particularly, the work of the Palestinian courts. Therefore, efforts should be exerted to guarantee the fairness and independency of judiciary, and pass laws and verdicts to rectify the laws and rulings passed through the last four years.
The following is visions and ideas summarize in brief how to support the reconciliation, interim government and elections.

Visions to support reconciliation:
- To hold public reconciliation conference includes all those who get harmed by the internal fighting in 2007.
- To pay Diyah* (Reconciliation in blood money) to the killed's family in order to start a new phase of peace and tolerance.
- To reactivate the role of the legislative council in regards of passing new verdicts, laws, and legal procedures.
- To settle an account with whoever involved in illegal works and made use of people and others' properties.

Visions to support the interim government:
- To organize meetings and workshops which gather all the legal authorities and departments such as the public prosecution, judiciary and the ministry of justice in order to agree upon plans and terms that support reconciliation.
- To establish cooperation between Palestine Bar association and civil society organizations as this cooperation represents legal power to protect reconciliation and raise the awareness of the people regarding the legal issues.
- To provide the interim government with distinguished legal stuff to enable the government to solve the legal problems and achieve a concrete justice.
- To form an independent legal committee to monitor and observe the interim government and its commitment and implementation of laws and constitution.
- To allow the civil society organizations participate and share the aforementioned committee in putting and drawing plans and mechanisms to facilitate the work of the interim government.
- To put gentlemen's agreement that includes all the Palestinian factions to guarantee their support to the government.

Visions to support the elections:
- To activate the general elections law through putting basics and visions to guarantee a fair elections, and immediately determine a date for carrying out the presidential and parliamentary elections.
- To call the president Mahmoud Abass to issue his orders toward facilitating the process of elections and order the election committee to start its legal role to prepare for the elections.
- To call all factions and parties to work honestly and seriously to avoid any sectarian or factionalism crisis  which may affect elections negatively.  

Recommendations:
 The seminar witnessed a productive and fruitful debates. The discussion ranged and there were many interpositions that enriched the theme of the seminar. The seminar came out with:
- Holding a public conference that includes all the political groups and parties to put pressure on the leaders and support reconciliation.
- Gathering the efforts of all institutions and individuals, and working on turning them into tangible products.
- Reinforcing positive values like the acceptance of the other, tolerance and mutual trust.
- Searching for an alternative to the American financial support to free from the American hegemony on the Palestinian decision.
- Practicing new public pressure on the leadership. 

\

Gaza- Monday, 4 April 2011

In a conference held in Gaza, Pal-Think for Strategic Studies discussed the sectoral needs and the pledges of the donor countries for reconstruction. Six papers tackled  the issue of reconstruction were introduced. Economists and civil society activists called for keeping the reconstruction of Gaza Strip away from the political agendas, and forming an independent committee to run it. 

General Introduction:
After Israel's three-week military aggression against Gaza Strip on (27/12/2008- 18/1/2009), an international conference to help reconstruct Gaza Strip got underway in Sharm Elsheikh on 2nd March 2009 within a participation of more than 80 states and organizations. Originally, the Palestinian Authority had hoped to raise $2.4 billion in aid, including $1.33 billion to rebuild Gaza Strip. However, the figures have exceeded expectations and the total figure comes to $5.2 billion. The most prominent participants were the united states , Gulf Arab states, the European Commission and Britain. Despite of the pledges of the participants and the sincere concern they showed, their pledges were conditioned with some political considerations. The participants denoted to the Palestinian reconciliation and having a truce or a settlement with Israel the matter which obstructed the implementation of  the reconstruction and the fulfillment of their pledges.

 
After two years from this conference, Pal-Think for Strategic Studies found it necessary to review and assess the fulfillment of the donors' pledges , and bring the issue of reconstruction back to the media as well. PAL Think for Strategic Studies is an independent non-profit, non-political, non-governmental and non-sectarian think and do tank that aims to stimulate and inspire rational public discussions and consensus for the well-being of the Palestinians and the Region.

Consequently, a conference entitled," Two Years Since Sharm Elsheikh Donors Conference.. Reconstruction of Gaza Strip has not Resumed Yet" was organized on 4th April 2011 by Pal-Think for Strategic Studies as an activity in the project “Restoring Cooperation Amongst Community Actors towards Reconciled and Civilized Society" funded by the Swiss government. The conference aimed to discuss the issue of reconstruction and the pledges of the donors which have been given in Sharm Elsheikh donors conference in March 2009.

At the presence of a wide international and local media coverage dozens of academics, economists and civil society activists called for keeping the reconstruction of Gaza Strip away from the political agendas and self-interests, and forming an independent committee to run it.

The participants shed the light upon various sectoral needs for reconstruction, reviewed and evaluated the local and international, governmental and non-governmental efforts for reconstruction through presenting six productive papers. Most of the voices there called for not to subject the reconstruction to the political agendas and debates, and to form an independent agreed-upon committee to run and monitor the reconstruction.

The steering committee of the conference included significant and well-known Palestinian institutions such as Palestinian Businessmen Association, Palestinian Contractors Union, Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee, Palestinian Federation of Industries and Al Azhar University-Gaza. Although the conference was held within the project “Restoring Cooperation Amongst Community Actors towards Reconciled and Civilized Society" funded by the Swiss government, the views in this report represent solely the researchers' views and it does not necessarily reflect the view of Pal-Think for Strategic Studies or the Swiss government.  

Summary:

The Sectoral Needs for Reconstruction
Khader Shinerwa, office director of the Palestinian Federation of Industries, reviewed the industrial sector's needs and presented an analysis for the damages and their impacts on the industrial sector. He called the Palestinian authority (PA) to pay its due debts to the industrial sector and found programmes to support and reinforce the workforces. Also, he called for crystallizing and operating new economic agreements to support investment.

In a paper presented the needs of housing and infrastructure sector, Ayman Jomaa, representative of the Palestinian Contractors Union, said that the requirements for successful reconstruction embodied in: 1)Establishing a fund under the auspices of the government to provide contractors with soft loans without bank interests. 2)Enhancing the donors' conditioned- finance in order not to assume complete control on implementing the projects.

For his part,  Ali Abu Shahla, secretary of the Palestinian Businessmen Association, denoted that reconstructing factories should preceded reconstructing buildings to provide reconstruction with the basic materials. Concerning the mechanism of reconstructing the destroyed houses, he suggested giving the finance to the people in hand, according to specific standards and conditions, so they can implement their work freely.
He added that the government should have not removed the ruins and the rabbles for they were a witness on the last war. "using the tunnels for trading and bribing basic materials to Gaza eased the international pressure practiced on Israel to open the crossings", Abu Shahla said. Concluding his speech, he recommended forming an agreed-upon committee to take the responsibility of reconstruction.

Regarding agriculture, Abed Alkareem Ashor, deputy of the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee(PARC), asserted that the Palestinian internal division is the main obstacle that obstructs reconstruction since this position makes donors cautious about sending their finance to Gaza Strip. He stated that the agricultural sector is linked with two main sources in dispute which are the land and the water. Unlike other sectors, the agricultural sector has not received a fund. Ashore suggested forming supreme national committee to monitor and run the process of reconstructing the agricultural sector besides passing new agricultural policy that considers the recent political, economic and social developments.

An Overview on the Ongoing Intervention Programs for Reconstruction 
Omar Shaban, director of Pal-Think for Strategic Studies, presented a summary for the pledges and recommendations of Sharm Elsheikh donors conference and indicated that there is a mix between the finance guided to (PA) and the finance of the reconstruction. One of Sharm Elsheikh mistakes, according to Shaban, is that it did not put a clear mechanism for reconstruction. 

Local programs for reconstruction:
Dr. Mo'een Rajab, former professor of political science in Al Azhar university, focused on the governmental and non- governmental local efforts exerted for reconstructing Gaza Strip; the maintenance and repairing process of many houses , buildings and public utilities. He recommended with: 1) gathering and investing the efforts of the local organizations, syndicates, profession unions and civil society organizations. 2) paying high attention to a central database provides us with accurate updated information about reconstruction. 3)ending the division and achieving the national reconciliation.

International programs for reconstruction: 
Dr. Muhammad Meqdad, professor of political science in the Islamic university, focused on the governmental and non- governmental international efforts exerted for reconstruction. He said that the pledges of the conferences held for funding reconstruction were a mere ink on paper and conditioned with political considerations and the approval of Israel which is still besieging Gaza Strip and preventing raw materials to be in. Commenting on the Israeli decision of easing the siege, "The Israeli decision to ease the siege provided Gaza Strip with many Israeli food stuffs while the raw materials of reconstruction have not entered Gaza, yet" Meqdad said. He added that reconstruction shall not be limited to buildings but it should include reconstructing and rehabilitating the economic sector in general. He called for prosecuting the Israeli leaders because of the Israeli procedures which aggravate the crisis. 

Download Report:

Gaza- Sunday,1/5/2011
To promote the tentative agreement the has been signed by Hamas and Fateh in Cairo recently, labor resources center distributed the Palestinian flags holding a slogan " On the first of May workers want to end the division" among drivers and people in the streets.

This activity is considered unprecedented initiative from the Palestinian workers  that rejects division and calls for the Palestinian unity. It aims to support the Palestinian reconciliation and shed the light on a very important and effective stratum in the society that concern about the reconciliation and has been severely affected by the division which broke out in 2007. The activity comes through a project entitled," Restoring the cooperation amongst community actors towards a reconciled and civilized society" funded by the Swiss government.

The activity was organized in cooperation with Pal Think for strategic studies, the Palestinian working woman society for development, Al Karmel Cultural and Social Development Association, Al Najd Developmental Forum(NDF), Massar Association for Relief and Development and Community Media Center.

The workers distributed dozens of Palestine flags at Alsaraiah main square in Gaza city. The citizens there supported and appreciated the efforts of the Palestinian workers which follows the distinguished achievement of the Palestinian leaders of Fateh and Hamas who signed reconciliation agreement recently in Cairo.

Commenting on the activity, Omar Shaban, director of Pal Think for strategic studies,  appreciated the efforts the Palestinian workers exerted in this regard. He said that this step comes in a suitable and synchronous time; after signing the reconciliation agreement between Fateh and Hamas. He denoted that the Palestinian workers have been the most affective spectrum by the division since lots of them have lost their source of income and lived under poverty.  

Still, the Palestinian people hope that these simple and symbolic activities participate in promoting the reconciliation and push the political leaders to put aside the differences that may emerge among them in the future.  

Since 2007, the Palestinian people have been living a painful division which is added to the siege which has been imposed on Gaza since 2006. Along those years of division, the Palestinians confronted very hard situations and they tried to unite their political parties and have a national reconciliation. These efforts are still going on, launched by youth, women, children, politicians and civil society organizations.

On 7/4/2011 the Palestinian working woman society for development launched a “blood donor" campaign as a step to promote and reinforce reconciliation. This is one of the untraditional initiatives and symbolic activities that reject division and call for the Palestinian unity. This activity aims, too, to raise the awareness of the people and keep them in touch with the issue of reconciliation. The campaign comes through a project entitled," Restoring the cooperation amongst community actors towards a reconciled and civilized society" funded by the Swiss government.   
 
The campaign was organized in cooperation with Pal Think for strategic studies, Labor resources center, Al Karmel Cultural and Social Development Association, Al Najd Developmental Forum(NDF), and  Massar Association for Relief and Development.

The Central Blood Bank Society and Cystic Fibrosis Center provided the campaign with medical staffs and necessary equipments for the physical and blood examinations. The examinations included (hepatitis A&B- blood type-AIDS- hemoglobin- blood collection- blood pressure- temperature- pulse-weight).

There were about 95 donors (36 male-59 females) from all walks of life. They wrote down comments and slogans on a wall paper, all of them call for ending the division and giving the priority to the future of the Palestinians and the Palestinians cause.  

Following up, the two medical staffs communicated with the donors whose tests showed that they suffer from a specific disease. The medical staffs are going to provide them with the necessary medical tests and treatment.