PA to collaborate on Gaza Strip restoration
West Bank delegation confers with Gaza businessmen to discuss reconstruction of Strip's infrastructure; PA president joins over phone, calls for solidified plan
Abbas made the statements speaking to a group of businessmen, investors and contractors who held a meeting to discuss ways to restore the Strip's infrastructure. A new airport, a seaport, desalination facilities and an expanded electric company were some of the projects presented during the conference.
Abbas reiterated that he plans to visit Gaza soon.
Related stories:
A delegation from the West Bank attended the meeting, entering Gaza via Egypt's Rafah crossing. Mohammad Mustafa, the Chairman and CEO of the Palestine Investment Fund, and Abdullah Al-Afranji, the manager of the Al Quds Bank in Ramallah and a member of Fatah's Central Committee, were on the delegation.
Parliament building destroyed during Cast Lead (Photo: AFP)
The West Bank convoy presented its own prospects for the reconstruction of the Strip, including outlines for the distribution of mortgages to residents and an alternative plan that would end Gaza's dependency on electricity from Israel.
$5 billion donation
Mustafa said during the meeting that he consulted with private sector businessmen about the establishment of a $1 billion fund that would invest in various private sector projects in the Gaza Strip.
He said that he intends to invest $200 million in Gaza, and to encourage others to do so as well.
Mustafa emphasized that the reconstruction plans are the first priority after the Palestinian reconcilation, and noted that the PA will use the funds that it was promised by donor nations for this purpose, up to $5 billion.
According to Mustafa, one of the most important tasks that the new Palestinian government will face is hold the donor nations to their promises.
Hamas prime Minister in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh announced the commencement of the Gaza restoration project several months ago. The area suffered severe damages in 2009 as result of the Israel Defense Forces' Operation Cast Lead.
PA President Salam Fayyad is known for his support for the plan.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
