London: UK Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer emphasized on Monday his country's commitment to playing a leading role and working with international partners to accelerate Gaza's reconstruction. "Together, we are backing a Palestinian-led recovery and reconstruction," Minister Falconer stated during his speech at the opening of the Wilton Park conference on Gaza's economic recovery and reconstruction, co-hosted with Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Falconer highlighted the enormity and urgency of the task ahead, acknowledging that the government's estimations indicate the reconstruction will take years and cost billions. He emphasized the necessity of immediate action to clear rubble, rebuild homes, and establish infrastructure, thereby restoring access to essential services like education and healthcare.
The minister also emphasized the importance of laying the groundwork for long-term economic development in Palestine, noting Gaza and the broader region's economic potential due to its human capital, resilience, strategic location, and global diaspora. "That potential must be unlocked," he asserted.
Falconer pointed out that the conference focused on supporting the Arab Reconstruction Plan and exploring innovative methods to secure the necessary resources, including private capital, beyond traditional donor finance. He highlighted the UK's capability to assist, citing its expertise in private investment and its strong links to the City of London, while recognizing the vital technical expertise, regional insight, and relationships brought by other participants.
The three-day conference, organized by the Foreign Office's Wilton Park agency based in West Sussex, gathers representatives from the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Germany, and Italy, as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Bank, and private sector and development financiers.