Germany’s Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan has voiced serious concerns regarding the precarious situation in the Gaza Strip, urgently calling for an international reconstruction conference to address the escalating challenges. In remarks to the Funke-Mediengruppe papers, Minister Alabali-Radovan highlighted the fragility of the current ceasefire and the critical lack of clarity surrounding the political framework for future development, hindering the release of substantial reconstruction funding. She cautioned against allowing this critical window of opportunity to slip away.
A central stumbling block, according to the Minister, is the failure to successfully navigate Phase Two of the U.S. peace plan. This phase envisions a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, the disarmament of Hamas and the deployment of an international stabilization force – objectives currently appearing increasingly distant. “We urgently need clarity on the political framework” Alabali-Radovan stated, emphasizing that this can only be achieved through engagement with Palestinian stakeholders, a process currently lacking consensus. Crucially, debate remains unresolved concerning the future governance of Gaza and the role of the U.S.-initiated “Board of Peace” transition authority.
The scale of rebuilding required in Gaza is described as a “generational task” necessitating a broad international effort. While the German government has pledged to take responsibility, immediate assistance is being provided in the form of emergency housing, whose import to Gaza was only recently authorized by Israeli authorities. This came amidst a worsening humanitarian situation exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall.
Addressing criticism within Germany, Minister Alabali-Radovan asserted that there are no indications German funds have reached Hamas. Her comments on the controversial United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were nuanced. While acknowledging UNRWA’s vital role in direct humanitarian assistance, she conceded the need for significant reform. Germany’s recent abstention during the United Nations’ decision on extending UNRWA’s mandate was justified as a reflection of this ongoing reform process, a position Alabali-Radovan defended, observing that she was “glad” the mandate was extended despite the issues. She insisted that from her Ministry’s perspective, UNRWA is taking the reform process seriously, although significant improvements remain necessary. Furthermore, the Minister firmly stated that Hamas cannot have a future within Gaza politically or militarily, requiring complete disarmament and exclusion from governance.
The call for an international reconstruction conference underscores the complex political hurdles and desperate humanitarian needs facing Gaza and highlights the delicate balancing act Germany must undertake in supporting the region’s future while ensuring aid reaches those most in need and is not diverted to destabilizing forces.
