(VOVworld) – The international donor conference in Cairo, Egypt on October 12 raised 5.4 billion USD for the reconstruction of the Gaza strip. The donors have pledged to disburse the aid as soon as possible so Palestinians in Gaza can normalize their lives and restore their economy, but many people remain skeptical about the permanence of the reconstruction.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visits the war-ravaged enclave of Gaza, 14 October 2014.  (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)

The Gaza strip was devastated during Israel's 50-day Gaza operation, Protective Edge, in July and August. More than 2,000 people were killed and more than 100,000 people lost their homes. The unemployment rate skyrocketed. Famine is spreading because of disrupted production and an unstable food supply.

Of the 5.4 billion USD pledged, Qatar alone committed one billion. The EU promised 568 million, the US 212 million, and Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates each promised 200 million.

Commencing reconstruction activities

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Gaza on October 14 to begin the reconstruction process under UN supervision. Ban said the UN supports the Palestinian people in their economic development toward a better future. He announced that the first shipment of construction material has been allowed to enter Gaza through Israel’s blockade. Ban will meet with the Palestinian cabinet members and will soon announce that reconstruction in Gaza is underway.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, who co-chaired the Gaza reconstruction conference with Egypt, said half of the committed donations will be spent on rebuilding the coastal area. The rest will be used to stimulate the economy, conduct emergency rescues and carry out other projects.

From the reconstruction plan to reality

Foreign aid will help rebuild houses and reduce the hardship of lives in Gaza, but there is still no permanent solution to the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The donors say their efforts will be in vain if there is no lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. One day after the conference UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel and Palestine to resume peace talks, which have bogged down recently. He warned that violence will reoccur if the two sides cannot reach a deal.

Many doubt the reconstruction program will receive all the committed funds because this is not the first reconstruction. Many donor countries feel frustrated that the infrastructure they helped rebuild was destroyed again. Ban said at the donor conference that this would be the last reconstruction program.

The Gaza reconstruction will be challenged by Israel’s blockade which has been in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. Israel has strictly controlled travel and transport of cement and other construction materials, which Israel fears will be used to build rocket launch pads and upgrade cross-border underground tunnels.

The Palestinian Economic Council for Research and Development said experience in building Palestinian territory over the past 2 decades shows that disbursement is slow but lasting. The Council estimates that reconstruction will take 5 years if Israel completely lifts its blockade.

Oxfam, a union of 15 organizations in 98 countries working to alleviate poverty and inequality, says if Israel’s blockade continues, it will take 50 years or more to rebuild 89,000 houses, 200 schools, clinics, factories, and infrastructure in Gaza.

The international financial aid will help people in Gaza to temporarily overcome difficulties but it cannot generate peace or a stable life as long as Israelis and Palestinians continue to fight. Israel and Palestine are scheduled to begin a new round of peace talks late this month in Cairo.