Gaza strip: The Government Operations Room for Emergency Interventions in the Gaza Strip reviewed the early relief and recovery plan of the Ministry of National Economy. The plan, part of preliminary sectoral frameworks, is continuously updated with local and international partners and experts. The meeting addressed extensive damage to the economic sector, ministry priorities, strategies for restarting facilities, supporting supply chains, enhancing food security, and enabling the private sector.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Samah Hamad, Chair of the Operations Room, emphasized the Ministry of National Economy's role in relief and recovery efforts. She highlighted the importance of coordination between government entities, the private sector, and international partners to implement interventions that restore economic activity and provide job opportunities for affected families. Hamad noted the focus remains on the critical relief phase to allow a smooth transition to early recovery and reconstruction.
Minister of National Economy, Eng. Mohammad Al-Amoor, reported catastrophic damage to Gaza's economic infrastructure, with thousands of facilities destroyed and widespread loss of income. The ministry is implementing interventions to restart vital sectors, ensure essential goods availability, support small enterprises, and improve the business environment. Detailed damage assessments revealed 98% of economic facilities were affected, with total economic losses reaching USD 20 billion. The unemployment rate has risen to 80%, and the local economy has contracted by 83%.
The ministry's plan is structured in phases for a gradual transition from relief to recovery and reconstruction. Phase One (6 months) focuses on providing grants to SMEs, reconnecting supply chains, and strengthening food security. Interventions include rehabilitating production lines, providing operational tools, and implementing public employment programs. Phase Two (16-18 months) prioritizes economic revitalization, supporting SMEs, financing stability projects, and creating temporary jobs.
International partnerships are crucial for financing recovery efforts, with wide cooperation needed to restart facilities and revive economic activity. Key challenges include importing raw materials, reduced financial inflows, disrupted supply chains, and lack of industrial infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the ministry continues efforts to meet needs, support economic rehabilitation, and restore livelihoods.
