Looking Towards Peace: Rebuilding Governance in Gaza and the West Bank.

• In Event: Looking Towards Peace: Rebuilding the Economy and Political Governance in Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza

Abstract

The issue of sovereignty and governance is now more than ever a necessity for the Palestinian people. The current governmental structures in the territories, namely Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian authority in the West Bank, have failed to provide the necessary structures to bring peace and prosperity to their people. On October 7, 2023, a Hamas attack on an Israeli music festival spurred large-scale military intervention, which would go on to unfold into the war in Gaza. Following the immense devastation of war in the region, rebuilding Palestinian governance is a key objective for greater stability. This case study will comparatively examine post-war recovery across the globe, such as with Europe and the Marshall Plan after World War II, Vietnam, and Iraq, to understand possibilities for reestablishing governance in the Palestinian territories. In addition, it will draw on the history of decolonization across the Middle East and Africa to navigate the state-building process with ethnic divisions, religious considerations, and broader regional conflict in mind. This study will attempt to suggest objectives for future foreign policy and relations that, on the issue of rebuilding governance, will promote peace, resilience, and stability in Palestine.

Author

• Neve Sheckells, Emmanuel College