Gaza Reconstruction Plan Moves Forward, Says Palestinian PM

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa has confirmed that discussions on rebuilding Gaza are progressing, citing clear dialogue with the United States, including President Donald Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Speaking in Davos, Mustafa reiterated the long-standing Palestinian goal of establishing an independent state but stressed the immediate priority is stabilization. "We need to get Gaza right first," he said.

Despite a ceasefire that began earlier in 2025, Gaza remains under an Israeli-enforced blockade, with essential supplies like food and medicine subject to Tel Aviv's control over all access points.

A Roadmap for Recovery Takes Shape

The path forward is guided by a two-phase plan announced by President Trump. The second phase, now underway, calls for Hamas to release all remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners from Israel, followed by a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. International observers see this as a critical step toward transforming the ceasefire into a lasting peace.

A key development is the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body of Palestinian figures designed to restore Palestinian oversight of the process.

However, a firm timeline for reconstruction remains elusive. Analysts note that major projects are contingent on the disarmament of Hamas, a politically sensitive task assigned to the Gaza Peace Board. "We want to work with the board of peace to ensure that they do their part of things to prepare for reconstruction efforts," Mustafa stated.

Humanitarian Crisis and Long-Term Goals

The prime minister acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead. "It's going to take more than two years to fix Gaza, but at least we want to make sure that things are in the right direction," he said, emphasizing that the West Bank remains a crucial part of the broader conversation.

He underscored the urgency of reunifying Gaza's institutions with those in the West Bank to advance the Palestinian Authority's political objectives.

The humanitarian situation remains dire. "Our priority is what's happening to our people in Gaza today," Mustafa said. "Despite four months passing after the ceasefire, people are still dying... shelter is the biggest challenge." He revealed he held "very active and useful" talks with US officials, stating both sides "share the same goals."

International Backing and Financial Headwinds

During a panel at the World Economic Forum, Mustafa confirmed a Palestinian reform plan is being developed with international partners. He noted that Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan are not just donors but "key stakeholders" in the Palestinian cause.

"Saudi Arabia along with France have been working with us on the two-state solution and integrating it," he added.

Mustafa also addressed the enduring relevance of the Oslo Accords, arguing that while some consider the treaty outdated, it remains an internationally recognized framework. "According to the Oslo agreement, Israel should have withdrawn from most of the West Bank and Gaza. We want to see Israel respecting this agreement," he said.

He accused Israel of violating the economic terms of the treaty, imposing a heavy price on the Palestinian people. "Israel today holds $4 billion of our government's money," Mustafa stated. "They control the borders and collect the tax fines. For the past four months they have sent zero dollars. Our ability to govern has been impacted due to this."

Diplomatic and On-the-Ground Realities

In a separate interview, Palestinian Ambassador to Switzerland Ibrahim Mohammad Khraishi shared insights from a meeting with an Egyptian minister, who expressed hope that the Rafah crossing could soon reopen.

Khraishi stressed the central role of the Palestinian Authority in any administrative plan for Gaza. "Yes, we have this administrative committee... but without the Palestinian Authority, they cannot deliver. Because we have everything. We have the institutions, we have the government," he explained.

Commenting on rising tensions in the West Bank, Khraishi warned of escalating Israeli actions, pointing to the recent razing of the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem by Israeli bulldozers. "This is the scenario for the Israelis. For them, there is nothing to talk about. It's total crash and destruction."