Ali Shaath says rebuilding Gaza is a humanitarian priority, will take 7 years

Dr Ali Shaath, head of the Gaza Strip Management Committee (the technocrats committee), said his main task is to secure decent living conditions that protect human dignity in Gaza. Based on his professional experience, he said the Strip needs seven years of serious work to return in a better state than it was before.

Speaking in a radio interview on Wednesday, Shaath explained that rebuilding Gaza must start with securing people’s basic needs. This includes safe housing and dignified living conditions, such as food, healthcare, and education. He added that prefabricated buildings will be used as a temporary solution in the first phase.

Shaath said there are plans to build early shelter centres, which have already been prepared on maps showing locations and available areas. He noted that the early shelter phase will begin at the same time as the removal of rubble.

He estimated that clearing the rubble will take no more than three years. The process will rely on recycling, with part of the rubble used to form additional land at sea to increase Gaza’s usable area. Recycled rubble will also be used to supply some building materials, while helping to protect both the environment and the population.