A Fragile Dawn: Relief, Incredulity, and the Uncertain Road to Reconstruction in Gaza

The silence, after fifteen months of relentless Israeli bombardment, is almost deafening. The ceasefire that went into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025, is a time that is enmeshed in an intricate web of emotions for Gazans. Relief, profound and visceral, washes over a population worn down by unimaginable loss and ceaseless terror. However, this relaxation is tinged with a profound sense of disbelief, a hesitant murmur that asks whether this shaky serenity is an actual, long-lasting, or transient break in a violent cycle. Emerging from shelters and the rubble-strewn remains of their neighbourhoods, Gazans face the daunting task of rebuilding not just bricks and mortar, but their very lives, communities, and futures, from the ashes of one of the region’s most devastating conflicts. 

The Reconstruction Effort

The questions that loom large are complex and profound: can the international community, particularly non-Arab Islamic nations and Muslim neighbours, rise to the challenge of reconstructing Gaza? Will Israel, a state historically characterised by expansionist tendencies, truly allow this reconstruction to flourish, or will it succumb to the temptation of further oppression and control? And finally, can the nascent involvement of a new Trump administration, with its focus on the Abraham Accords, genuinely usher in an era of lasting peace, or is this yet another illusion in the turbulent landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The immediate aftermath of the ceasefire necessitates a monumental reconstruction effort. Gaza’s infrastructure, already weakened by years of blockade and previous conflicts, lies in ruins. Schools, the cornerstones of education and hope for future generations, are decimated. Madrasahs and mosques, pillars of faith and community, are reduced to rubble. Churches, symbols of the Christian minority’s presence, have also suffered. Universities, vital institutions for intellectual growth and progress, are likely to be severely damaged. The scale of destruction is immense, and the financial burden of rebuilding is beyond Gaza’s own capacity. Here, the role of international actors becomes critical. Non-Arab Islamic nations, such as Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, alongside Muslim neighbours like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, have a moral and religious imperative to step forward. These nations possess the resources, expertise, and crucial political will to contribute significantly to Gaza’s rehabilitation. Their involvement would not only provide tangible aid in the form of financial assistance, construction materials, and technical expertise but also send a powerful message of solidarity and unwavering support to the Palestinian people. Historically, Islamic nations have played a vital role in humanitarian aid and development projects in the region, and this moment demands a renewed and intensified commitment. There is no denying the potential impact of these countries, but it is unclear if they will successfully coordinate their efforts, overcome logistical obstacles, and negotiate the complicated political environment.

Israeli Intentions: A Looming Obstacle

However, the spectre of Israeli obstruction looms large. The deep-seated mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians is a defining feature of the conflict, and Gaza’s history is tragically marked by instances where reconstruction efforts have been hampered or undermined by Israeli actions. The question of whether Israel will allow genuine reconstruction or embark on a “second colonial attempt” is not merely hypothetical – it is a deeply ingrained fear rooted in lived experience. Will Israel, despite the ceasefire, maintain its suffocating blockade, restricting the entry of essential materials needed for rebuilding? Will it impose bureaucratic hurdles and security restrictions that deliberately slow down or impede reconstruction projects? Worse still, could Israel, under the guise of security concerns or strategic interests, actively seek to undermine reconstruction, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and vulnerability that further subjugates the Gazan population? The fear of starvation, while perhaps hyperbolic, stems from this very concern – that Israel might leverage control over resources and access to effectively weaponise reconstruction, ensuring Gaza remains perpetually weakened and contained. To dispel these fears, Israel must demonstrate a genuine commitment to allowing unimpeded reconstruction, actively facilitating the flow of aid and materials, and fostering an environment conducive to recovery. Anything less will be perceived as a betrayal, further entrenching resentment and undermining any prospects for lasting peace.

The Role of the Trump Administration

Against this precarious backdrop, the incoming Trump administration’s proactive engagement injects a complex layer of uncertainty. Trump’s dispatch of his Middle East envoy even before taking office signals a renewed focus on the region. The emphasis on preventing a return to hostilities is a welcome departure from the immediate past, and the potential to leverage the Abraham Accords as a framework for broader regional peace is intriguing. The Abraham Accords, while historically significant in normalising relations between Israel and several Arab nations, have been criticised for largely bypassing the core issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. For them to genuinely contribute to lasting peace, they must be expanded beyond mere normalisation to encompass meaningful progress on the Palestinian question, including a just and viable resolution to the conflict and a pathway towards Palestinian self-determination. Whether Trump can effectively negotiate this challenging environment, build upon the Abraham Accords in a way that genuinely addresses Palestinian grievances, and ultimately pave the way for a durable peace remains highly uncertain. His previous administration’s policies were often perceived as overtly pro-Israel and detrimental to Palestinian aspirations, breeding deep skepticism amongst Palestinians and their allies. For Trump to be a credible peacemaker, he must demonstrate a willingness to engage with all stakeholders, including the Palestinians, and pursue a balanced and equitable approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict, rather than simply managing its symptoms.

The Path Forward

The ceasefire in Gaza offers a sliver of hope amidst a landscape of profound devastation. The palpable relief felt by Gazans is undeniable, yet it is tempered by a justified incredulity, born from a history of broken promises and cyclical violence. The immense task of reconstruction requires a concerted and sustained international effort, with non-Arab Islamic nations and Muslim neighbours poised to play a crucial role. However, the shadow of Israeli intentions hangs heavy over the prospect of genuine recovery. While the desire to avert further hostilities is commendable, lasting peace hinges not just on preventing conflict, but on addressing the fundamental injustices and grievances that fuel it. The road ahead for Gaza is fraught with uncertainty, but the potential for a truly new dawn, however fragile, exists. Whether this potential is realised depends on the collective will of the international community, the genuine commitment of regional actors, and ultimately, the choices made by both Israelis and Palestinians in the aftermath of this devastating war.

Author: Zaabar Ballia

The opinions mentioned in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Sunna Files Website, but rather express the opinion of its writer exclusively.