A N A LY S I S PEACE AND SECURITY WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH Palestinian Perspectives on the Reconstruction of Gaza September 2021 Walaa Abu Zaiter August 2024 Even before the war, Gaza was described as uninhabit­ able. Conditions are worsen­ ing post-conflict, heightening public health risks. Women face severe post-war chal­ lenges leading to community tensions and social issues. To mitigate all this, interna­ tional actors must push for a ceasefire, expand huma­ nitarian aid, and support Palestinian women-led orga­ nisations. Comprehensive recovery efforts should focus on equity, community en­ gagement, education and psychosocial support. Hope, driven by the resilience of Gaza’s women, is essential for rebuilding efforts, necessi­ tating further research to un­ derstand social impacts and develop effective recovery models.

WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH Palestinian Perspectives on the Reconstruction of Gaza The UN declared that Gaza was unin­ habitable in 2020. This has only been ex­ acerbated as conditions have worsened due to more recent conflicts. Environ­ mental degradation, unexploded ord­ nance, spread of disease and compro­ mised WASH infrastructure are expect­ ed to increase the death toll even after a ceasefire. These issues significantly heighten public health risks, particularly for women, children and the elderly. Women in Gaza, who have demonstrat­ ed strong leadership and resilience, will face severe challenges post-war, includ­ ing PTSD and emotional trauma. The potential for internal conflict remains high, leading to increased internal vio­ lence, community tensions, rising di­ vorce rates, early marriages and other adverse social norms. Prolonged conflict has altered gender roles, with men struggling to maintain traditional roles amid economic collapse, while women take on additional burdens, leading to social tensions. To address these challenges, internation­ al actors must push for a ceasefire, ex­ pand access to humanitarian aid and provide funding to meet basic needs. Enhanced support for Palestinian wom­ en-led organisations is crucial for com­ munity engagement and investing equally in young people, women and men. Recovery efforts should focus on equity, community committees and sub­ stantial investment in education and psy­ chosocial support. Hope, driven by the resilience of Gaza’s women, is essential for rebuilding efforts, necessitating fur­ ther research to understand social im­ pacts and develop effective recovery models. Further information on the topic can be found here: https://palestine.fes.de/topics/palestinian-perspectives-on-the-reconstruction-of-gaza

PEACE AND SECURITY WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH Palestinian Perspectives on the Reconstruction of Gaza In cooperation with:

 Content 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2  THE 2024 WAR: WOMEN’S STATUS IN GAZA 4 3 IMPACT OF THE 2024 WAR ON WOMEN 6  FOR WOMEN IN THE POST-WAR SITUATION AND 8  ENGAGEMENT IN POST-CONFLICT ­RECONSTRUCTION AND 10 6 12 References 13

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in severe losses and suffering, disproportionately affecting women and girls. As of June 2024, at least 37,877 Palestinians had been killed (PCBS 2024), including 10,538 women, with many others ex­ periencing displacement, widowhood and starvation. Over a million women and girls lack access to essential resources, such as food, safe water and hygiene products. Education has been disrupted, affecting 625,000 students since Octo­ ber 2023. The health sector is in crisis, losing 70 per cent of its bed capacity, and struggling with shortages of medical supplies and staff, impacting in particular pregnant and lac­ tating women, children and people with chronic diseases. rienced displacement, starvation and lack of access to es­ sential services, leading to the spread of disease and exacer­ bation of gender inequalities. Collapse of Gaza’s infrastruc­ ture has generated over 39 million tons of debris, and the health-care system is in ruins. UN Women reports high lev­ els of insecurity, depression, insomnia and anxiety among women. Thousands of women are expected to give birth monthly, with many facing complications because of inade­ quate medical care. ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS Despite these challenges, women-led organisations in Gaza have participated actively in providing humanitarian assis­ tance, even though they face significant operational and funding difficulties. This policy paper examines the crucial role of women in Gaza’s post-war reconstruction from a feminist perspective, identifying key policy challenges and offering evidence-based recommendations to foster a more inclusive and effective reconstruction process. The conflict has severely impacted access to water and hy­ giene. Over 1.1 million people lack safe water, risking water­ borne diseases. More than 540,000 women and girls face menstrual hygiene challenges because of product shortages and poor/crowded access to primitive WASH facilities. Over­ crowded shelters increase infection risks. Acute food insecu­ rity disproportionately affects women and girls, leading to malnutrition and health issues. BEFORE THE 2024 WAR: WOMEN’S STATUS IN GAZA Women faced significant barriers due to social norms, limit­ ed access to rights and male guardianship. They were un­ derrepresented in decision-making, for example in local councils. Gender-based violence was prevalent, with high rates of intimate partner violence and early marriage. Em­ ployment opportunities were limited by the blockade, with many forced to rely on NGO assistance. Access to basic needs was challenging, as women had less access to finan­ cial and communication resources. POWER AND SOCIAL DYNAMICS The conflict has deepened gender inequalities, affecting ac­ cess to food, mobility, poverty, education and employment. Family structures and gender roles are shifting, however, due to the loss of breadwinners. Women are taking on lead­ ership roles, managing severe shortages and public health risks, and supporting each other through the conflict. The loss of working-age men will cause economic hardships. Palestinian women have become agents of survival, leading their families and communities amidst the crisis. IMPACT ON WOMEN OF THE 2024 WAR HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH By June 2024, the Gaza conflict had caused more than 37,877deaths, including 10,538 women and 15,821 children who comprise 70 per cent of the victims(PCBS 2024). Ap­ proximately 6,000 deceased women had left 19,000 or­ phaned children. Over a million women and girls have expe­ WOMEN’S ROLE IN RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION Women’s role in leading the management of their families’ access to basic needs means that after the war they will play a critical role in both the immediate and the medium- and long-term recovery. Efforts to enhance women’s role post-conflict should take into consideration the broader so­ cial fabric and their interaction and complementary roles with men to achieve the maximum benefit. 2

In the immediate post-war situation, critical humanitarian programmes should continue, such as emergency employ­ ment programmes, provision of multipurpose cash assis­ tance, and support for micro and small enterprises, which are crucial for economic recovery. Significant attention should be devoted to keeping women-led organisations en­ gaged by means of protection mainstreaming. MEDIUM- AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY Rebuilding Gaza requires institutional investment and politi­ cal will, focusing on human empowerment and focusing re­ construction efforts on women as key agents of survival and change. Women’s recovery chances will be slim if they are marginalised in post-war planning and in immediate postwar interventions. Reconstruction must focus on the corner­ stones of human development prior to physical reconstruc­ tion, investing in community empowerment, mental health services and economic opportunities for women, men and people with disabilities. Executive Summary 3

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 2 BEFORE THE 2024 WAR: WOMEN’S STATUS IN GAZA LIVING CONDITIONS A Gazan friend once told me,“We are women without a past; all our belongings and memories were wiped out.” Re­ flecting on the period before the 2023–2024 war in Gaza helps us to understand how women were living and en­ gaged in society, providing insights about their roles in ear­ ly recovery until reconstruction begins. Before the 2023–2024 war, Gaza was subject to several in­ terventions aiming at recovery from multiple previous con­ flicts. Approximately 2.1 million Palestinians required hu­ manitarian assistance(OCHA 2023), affecting every aspect of women’s lives. Female literacy rates were slightly lower than male rates, but female school completion rates were higher. After the 2021 conflict emotional and psychologi­ cal well-being had severely deteriorated, with adult fe­ males reporting the highest perceived decline, at 64 per cent(UN Women Palestine 2022). Social norms limited women’s access to rights and opportunities, creating sub­ stantial barriers through male guardianship(according to Islamic heritage/narrative every woman must have a male guardian who has the authority to make a range of critical decisions on her behalf). timate partners, was alarmingly high, exacerbated by the conflict. Early marriage 1 (child marriage, defined as a formal marriage or informal union before the age of 18) rates were also high, often used as a coping mechanism to protect fe­ males from various risks. Access to reporting channels for sexual and gender-based violence was extremely low. Living in a time of conflict exacerbates the likelihood of in­ creased internal community tensions and gender-based vio­ lence. After the 2021 war, 90 per cent of respondents re­ ported heightened community tensions, 74 per cent noticed increased violence, and 72 per cent observed more family tensions(UN Women Palestine 2022). EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The blockade of Gaza severely limited livelihood and em­ ployment opportunities. Many households relied on NGO or charity assistance, and debt was widespread(OCHA 2023). Women faced increased safety and security concerns, prompting guardians to restrict their movement and access to work as a protection mechanism. HOUSEHOLD AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND DECISION-MAKING Social norms in Gaza valued women primarily for their re­ productive and caregiving roles, often disregarding their economic and political leadership potential(US AID 2023). Women were underrepresented in local councils and faced significant barriers to participation in decision-making pro­ cesses. According to a gender analysis conducted by USAID in March 2023, only 20 per cent of members of local coun­ cils are women compared with 80 per cent men. ACCESS TO SERVICES Meeting basic needs was subject to significant challenges, with many households relying on humanitarian assistance (OCHA 2023). Female respondents reported less access to important resources such as bank accounts and mobile phones than men. Deficiencies in resources and services prevented women from realising their potential and hin­ dered service providers from offering comprehensive sup­ port. Women were particularly impacted by the shortage of WASH services, as they were responsible for domestic chores(UN Women Palestine 2021) and securing water for the household. GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE The UN overview of humanitarian needs in 2023 revealed that an estimated 1.9 million people in the Occupied Pales­ tinian Territories were vulnerable to gender-based violence (OCHA 2023), 80 per cent of them women and 65 per cent residing in Gaza. Violence against women, particularly by in­ Since 2007, environmental protection and ecosystem resto­ ration in Gaza have been hindered by complex governance issues, including Hamas control, Israeli closures and import 1 Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes that a child is any human being under the age of 18. 4

restrictions. Despite these challenges, substantial interna­ tional investments have been made in wastewater treat­ ment and solid waste infrastructure over the past five years (UNEP 2024), increasing hope of improved access to a clean environment. LAWS AND POLICIES Gaps in laws and policies have left women at significant risk. Many laws lack a gender perspective(USAID 2023), and there has been a lack of political will to enforce protections and opportunities for women. Social norms and traditions have often prevented women from fully exercising their rights, including inheritance rights​. BEFORE THE 2024 WAR: WOMEN’S STATUS IN GAZA 5

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 3 IMPACT OF THE 2024 WAR ON WOMEN HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH As of late June 2024, the conflict in Gaza has resulted in 37,877 fatalities, including 10,538 women and 15,882 children(PCBS 2024). Approximately 6,000 of the de­ ceased women left behind 19,000 orphaned children(UN Women 2024b). Additionally, 85,911 persons have been injured, with women and children comprising 70 per cent of this number(PCBS 2024). Around 10,000 people, in­ cluding 5,000 women and children, are still missing under the rubble. Surviving women face displacement, widowhood and starvation. Over one million women and girls in Gaza lack access to food, safe water, latrines, washrooms and sani­ tary pads, leading to the spread of diseases and exacer­ bation of pre-existing gender inequalities. Most of Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced multiple times, with women facing risks of arbitrary detention and har­ assment during displacement. According to UN Women, 93 per cent of women in Gaza feel unsafe(The New Ar­ ab 2024), 80 per cent suffer from depression, 66 per cent are unable to sleep, and 70 per cent experience anxiety and nightmares. A psychologist friend from Gaza report­ ed“Women who lost their children are losing their minds!” ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS The ongoing conflict in Gaza has severely impacted women and girls: – Health risks: Many use agricultural wells with water 30 times saltier than freshwater, posing severe health risks, especially for infants, pregnant women and people with kidney diseases. In overcrowded shelters, poor access to WASH facilities means that hundreds of families have to share a single la­ trine. This lack of privacy and dignity exposes women and girls to significant protection concerns, while inadequate menstrual health management facilities expose women and girls to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Daily trips to find bathrooms and toilets pose further protection risks. With acute food insecurity, women and girls are hardest hit (IPC 2023), often deprioritising their own food intake. Preg­ nant and lactating women face higher health and malnutri­ tion risks. Female heads of household, older women and women with disabilities face significant obstacles when ac­ cessing food distribution. Seven out of 10 women inter­ viewed by UN Women reported weight loss in the past 30 days, and over half experienced frequent dizziness. Further­ more, 83.5 per cent stated that the assistance they received did not meet their household needs(UN Women 2024c). Since 7 October 2023, conflict escalation has profoundly im­ pacted Gaza’s people and environment. Israel’s bombard­ ment has caused unprecedented destruction of infrastruc­ ture, productive assets and service delivery systems, includ­ ing the collapse of sewage, wastewater and solid waste management systems. The destruction has generated over 39 million tonnes of debris, some contaminated with haz­ ardous substances. To make things worse, human remains are buried within this rubble(UNEP 2024). – Water access: 1.1 million women and girls lack access to sufficient safe water, increasing the risk of water­ borne diseases for 337,057 children under five. – Hygiene: Over 540,000 women and girls of reproduc­ tive age face challenges in maintaining hygiene due to a shortage of menstrual hygiene products, forcing them to use improvised items(UN Women 2024b). – WASH barriers: Women and girls with disabilities face additional barriers accessing water, sanitation, and hy­ giene(WASH) facilities due to a lack of specialised tools and equipment. POWER AND SOCIAL DYNAMICS Previous wars have taught us that conflict is far from gen­ der-neutral(CARE 2023). Protracted conflicts such as the one in Gaza create multidimensional and intersectional vul­ nerabilities for diverse groups, disproportionately affecting women and girls across all categories. These vulnerabilities are particularly evident in areas such as access to food, mo­ bility, poverty, education, protection and employment. The crisis also impacts power dynamics and gender rela­ tions, which must be taken into consideration in humanitar­ 6

ian aid delivery. The loss of families, parents, breadwinners, homes and communities leads to changes in family struc­ tures, shifting from nuclear and extended families to su­ per-extended families. These changes impact gender roles and dynamics. Women increasingly fear that, due to food shortages, school closures and the loss of educational op­ portunities, families will resort to desperate coping mecha­ nisms, including early marriage(UN Women 2024a), espe­ cially given the high number of young girls who have lost one or both parents. Across the Gaza Strip, Palestinian women have been plunged into a war of survival and adaptation(Abdulfattah 2024) ever since Israel began its bombardment in retaliation for Hamas’ 7 October attack. Women have become agents of survival(Nasruddin 2024), leading the survival journey for their families and communities. IMPACT OF THE 2024 WAR ON WOMEN 7

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 4 PRIORITIES FOR WOMEN IN THE POST-WAR SITUATION AND RECONSTRUCTION Faria Nasruddin, a Program Associate with the Wilson Cen­ tre’s Middle East Program, in her blog“Planning for Women in a Postwar Gaza”, draws on lessons from the war in Af­ ghanistan(2001–2021). The US presence in Afghanistan in­ cluded an ambitious national reconstruction plan with sub­ stantial military forces aimed at re-establishing physical se­ curity, deterring the Taliban, revitalising the economy and establishing a functional bureaucracy. Despite such efforts, however, Afghanistan remained one of the most dangerous places for women because of ongoing airstrikes and the em­ powerment of local warlords with histories of human rights abuses. Israel’s principal focus is its physical security. This will overshadow any need to address humanitarian concerns and support women’s safety and empowerment. Lessons from Afghanistan suggest that a balanced approach, incor­ porating both security and humanitarian needs, is essential for effective post-conflict recovery and to ensure the well-being of all, especially women(Nasruddin 2024). It remains uncertain how much more destruction and loss of life Gaza will have to endure before a ceasefire is achieved and what type of society will emerge from this ongoing con­ flict, which has lasted over 270 days(at the time of writing). Various reports and statistics indicate significant changes in the social fabric, with increasing numbers of widows, or­ phans and people with disabilities(PWDs). Further research is therefore needed to understand more deeply how these changes will affect social dynamics, particularly in overbur­ dened communities, and to develop mitigation measures potentially to shorten the arc of recovery. Rebuilding Gaza will be a multi-generational endeavour re­ quiring both institutional investment and political will from all Palestinians, as well as the international community. As rebuilding begins, leaders must stay focused and centre the design of recovery and reconstruction on human empower­ ment. This approach should highlight the role of“agents of survival”, as one Palestinian journalist put it, particularly em­ phasising the contributions of Gazan women. IMMEDIATE POST-WAR SITUATION International and national actors, supported by the European Union and funding agencies, must sustain continuous human­ itarian assistance to facilitate a seamless transition from the im­ mediate post-war circumstances to medium- and long-term re­ covery. The following intervention modalities are recommend­ ed for consideration during the immediate post-war period: – Emergency employment: Emergency employment programmes, in the sense of Cash for Work and daily labour will be critical to provide income to women who have lost their source of income(main breadwinners), their jobs, livelihoods and belonging, to help them to support their families and children. – Multipurpose cash assistance: Provision of regular mul­ ti-purpose cash assistance(MPCA) for all affected popula­ tions to revive the market and increase cash liquidity. – Economic recovery: Micro and small enterprises will need emergency grants and wage subsidies to restore activity and facilitate local economic recovery. Extensive skills development and vocational training will also be necessary, utilising and strengthening women labour. – Agriculture: While small-scale farming may be relatively straightforward to restart, revitalising the commercial ag­ ricultural sector to its pre-7 October level will be more challenging(UN Geneva 2024). – Formation of community protection committees and support groups: While many efforts are currently being undertaken by several women-led organisations, they should be reinforced with additional funding and integrated across other areas, such as livelihoods, WASH and shelter. Their primary role will be to act as agents of change within communities, facilitating access to knowl­ edge and information, and transferring insights from grassroots levels to international and local NGOs and women-led organisations to enhance project effective­ ness and learning. MEDIUM AND LONG-TERM RECOVERY IN GAZA Women’s chances for medium/long-term social and eco­ nomic recovery are slim if they remain marginalised in postwar planning. Their acute vulnerabilities only increase the likelihood of enduring harm. 8

PRIORITIES FOR WOMEN IN THE POST-WAR SITUATION AND RECONSTRUCTION Figure 1 “What do you need to be able to contribute to Gaza post conflict recovery and reconstruction efforts?” 90% 83 80% 70% 67 60% 50% 58 50 50 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% I need to feel safe I need to have access to basic needs (food, water, hygiene, shelter, etc.) I need to heal and psychological support I need to have source of income I need to cry and take time to accept what we went through 8 other New estimates indicate that rebuilding Gaza’s physical infra­ structure will take between 16 and 80 years and cost up to USD 40 billion(Nasruddin 2024), which is conditional on sustainable funding, access to materials and lifting the blockade on Gaza. This multi-generational endeavour re­ quires institutional investment and political will from Pales­ tinians and the international community. Rebuilding efforts must centre on those most harmed, namely the women and children of Gaza. Reconstruction and recovery must consider human capaci­ ties and shifts in social dynamics created by the war, which often demands shifts in the distribution of roles and respon­ sibilities between men and women. Women, who are now in the middle of the war as agents of survival, are exhaust­ ed, traumatised and faced with the need to keep up their energy despite despair and lacking hope to survive. To give but one example, Eatimad Abbas, a Palestinian female pub­ lic health specialist, in a social media post, 2 expressed hope for a ceasefire and time to grieve losses, believing that histo­ ry will recognise Palestinian women’s resilience and connec­ tion to their land and home. A reconstruction strategy should prioritise: – community empowerment: Including marginalised groups and people with disabilities; – mental health services: providing essential support; – continued emergency and relief support: maintain­ ing efforts to improve access to health and medical care; – economic empowerment: offering cash assistance and economic opportunities. These initial interventions will pave the way for physical re­ construction. Women, men and young people need support to actively engage in Gaza’s future. In a rapid assessment via social media and WhatsApp groups with around 13 women from Gaza, this research showed the following needs and priorities. 2 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/walaa-zaiter-b4518568_calling-­allinspiring-and-strong-palestinian-activity-72040447283617710091bYj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop 9

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 5 WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT IN POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INCLUDING WOMEN IN THE RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS  IN DECISION-MAKING BODIES AND POLICY REVISION – Include women in decision-making bodies at all levels, including local councils, planning committees and monitoring groups. – Engage women leaders, experts, social influencers and representatives from women-led organisations in policy dialogues and reconstruction planning sessions to ensure that their voices and needs are adequately represented. – Ensure that women’s organisations participate mean­ ingfully in humanitarian recovery and reconstruction, planning, implementation and monitoring. namics and fabric caused by the war, and how these changes could potentially alter community engagement interventions and practices. – Engage men, boys, religious leaders, camp leaders and community influencers to promote gender equality and women’s role in recovery and reconstruction and to support women’s rights. – Map communities’ resources and identify the potential roles of women, men, boys and girls in the recovery process and humanitarian assistance.  TO SERVICES AND RESOURCES – Enhance access to food, water, nutrition, cash and health-care services, particularly for pregnant and lac­ tating women, to reduce the risks associated with food insecurity and health crises.  EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES – Accelerate learning and education programmes for school aged children to catch up with their education. – Provide emergency grants, MPCA(multi-purpose cash assistance) and Cash for Work to restore or improve ac­ cess to basic needs and facilitate local economic recov­ ery, particularly targeting women from different groups, including those residing outside Gaza, 3 as they will facil­ itate and support women inside and families. – Invest significantly in mental health and psychosocial support(MHPSS) using advanced research methods in trauma, healing and protection programmes for all population groups. Additionally, a multi-sectoral re­ sponse with protection mainstreaming across all inter­ ventions should be encouraged. – Offer extensive skills development and vocational train­ ing programmes for women and men to enhance their employment opportunities and economic independence.  ENGAGEMENT AND AWARENESS – Conduct social and community assessments and re­ search to further understand the changes in social dy­ MAKING THE EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN’S LEAD ORGANISATIONS FRUITFUL  AND FUNDING SUPPORT – Provide operational support and secure funding for women-led organisations to ensure they can continue their crucial work in humanitarian response and recov­ ery by encouraging partnership, localisation and protec­ tion mainstreaming. 3 Many families, including women accompanying injured individuals, have left for Egypt during the war. These families are now facing critical challenges in accessing basic needs and support schemes outside Gaza. – Establish dedicated funding streams and grants for women-led organisations to enhance their capacity to implement projects and provide services. 10

WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT IN POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY  GBV – INGOs, NGOs and diverse UN bodies should actively participate in GBV working groups and the protection cluster to facilitate ongoing exchange and ensure effec­ tive two-way communication and engagement.  BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE – Offer capacity-building programmes and technical as­ sistance to women-led organisations to strengthen their operational capabilities and enhance their impact. – Engage community members, women, men and com­ munity leaders in capacity-building activities.  IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES – Ensure that women-led organisations are included in decision-making processes related to humanitarian aid, reconstruction and development planning. – Recognise and formalise the roles of women-led organ­ isations as primary responders and significant humani­ tarian actors to increase the gender responsiveness of humanitarian programming. 5. ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS – Support advocacy efforts by women-led organisations to promote gender equality and women’s rights at lo­ cal, national and international levels, and most impor­ tantly, engage active Palestinian women whether inside or outside Gaza as main speakers to ensure that their experience and reality are reflected. – Conduct awareness-raising campaigns to highlight the critical contributions of women-led organisations in hu­ manitarian response and recovery efforts, fostering broader societal support for their work. 11

FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – WOMEN AT THE HEART OF GAZA’S REBIRTH 6 CONCLUSION We are women without a past; all our belongings and memories have been wiped out. Reema Our mental health is crucial to be able to provide support and contribute ideas! Etaf The United Nations declared Gaza uninhabitable in 2020 (UNCTAD 2015), and current findings highlight a worsening situation that portends dire future living conditions. Even with a ceasefire, the death toll is likely to rise due to factors such as environmental degradation, unexploded ordnance hidden under rubble, the spread of diseases and the fragile state of water, sanitation and hygiene(WASH) infrastruc­ ture. These conditions exacerbate public health risks, par­ ticularly affecting women, children and the elderly. Women in Gaza have demonstrated strong leadership and resilience during the conflict, driven by their roles in nurtur­ ing and supporting their families. However, this strength will be severely tested in the wake of the 2023–2024 war, as women are likely to begin to experience post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and face the emotional collapse that follows prolonged trauma. while men may struggle to adjust to new roles that chal­ lenge traditional ideals of masculinity(NRC 2015). This ap­ proach should be further enriched through research to gain a deeper understanding of the impact on the social fabric of Gaza communities and to identify the most relevant recov­ ery and community engagement models. Forming community committees as support agents who can disseminate knowledge and hope, and enhance knowledge exchange with international actors to keep the wheel of re­ covery going through their active engagement. Further­ more, the long-term negative impact on Gaza’s children ne­ cessitates substantial investment in education and accelerat­ ed learning programmes to restore a sense of normalcy. These activities should aim at integrating psychosocial sup­ port both in classes and through parents/community en­ gagement as part of the learning process. Analysing various narratives, it is evident that the potential for another internal conflict and tensions within communi­ ties remains high. The next war is likely to be even more challenging for Palestinians, who will face increased internal violence, community tensions, rising divorce rates, early marriages and other negative social norms. To mitigate these significant challenges, it is crucial to focus on supporting women and local communities. The EU and other decision-makers must amplify their calls for a cease­ fire, expand humanitarian aid access and allocate funding for the Gaza population to fully satisfy their basic needs. En­ hanced access to cash and humanitarian assistance will help to alleviate the stress caused by scarcity and reduce violence. Hope is the cornerstone of Gaza’s rebuilding efforts. Inter­ national and national actors must invest in“survival agents” – the women of Gaza – to restore life and bring hope back to Gaza. As a Palestinian woman, I see my role as multifaceted. We are the backbone of our communities, providing support, education and leadership. Whether through advocacy, entrepreneurship, or social work, we have the power to drive change and rebuild our society. Khadijah Protection actors, especially Palestinian women-led organi­ sations(WLOs) in Gaza and the West Bank, should receive additional support and funding to engage deeply with com­ munities and invest equally in young people, women and men. It is critical to prioritise equity and equality in all recov­ ery efforts. Recent years have shown negative effects from focusing solely on women and diminishing the role of men in Gaza. Prolonged conflict often results in a reconfiguration of gender roles. Men may find it challenging to maintain their traditional roles as providers and protectors due to armed violence and economic collapse. Meanwhile, women often take on additional responsibilities to ensure household survival. This shift can lead to tensions as it diverges from es­ tablished gender norms. Women frequently shoulder in­ creased burdens without corresponding gains in rights, I believe history will recognise how Palestinian women consistently nurture and sustain the deep connection to our land and home. Etimad I will work hard to raise my son and forget all that we are going through. I will rebuild my house and start with hope Dina I’m not sure if I’m one of the“resilient women” or not! We try our best to cope and keep going. Nesma 12

References REFERENCES Abdulfattah, Ghada(2024): Snapshots from Gaza: By sheer will, Palestinian women eke out a life, in: The Christian Science Monitor, 10/04/2024, https://www.csmonitor.com/World/MiddleEast/2024/0410/palestinian-women-gaza-war. CARE(2023): Gaza Strip Rapid Gender Analysis: Brief, 22/10/2023, https://www.careevaluations.org/wp-content/uploads/Gaza_ RGA_22.10.2023_Final.pdf. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification(IPC)(2023): Gaza Strip: Famine Review of the IPC Analysis. Conclusions and recommenda­ tions, 21/12/2023, https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Famine_Review_Report_Gaza.pdf. Nasruddin, Faria(2024): Planning for Women in a Postwar Gaza, in: New Security Beat, 15/05/2024, https://www.newsecuritybeat. org/2024/05/planning-for-women-in-a-postwar-gaza/. Norwegian Refugee Council(NRC)(2015): The impact of conflict on women – Gaza post-2014 conflict, https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/ pdf/reports/gaza---the-impact-of-conflict-on-women.pdf. Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics(PCBS)(2024): Martyrs, https://www.pcbs.gov.ps/site/lang__en/1405/Default.aspx, 30/06/2024. The New Arab(2024):’Awful’: Gaza aid worker reveals dire conditions for Palestinian women, 09/04/2024, https://www.newarab.com/news/ awful-gaza-aid-worker-reveals-dire-conditions-women. UN Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD)(2015): World Investment Report 2015. Reforming International Investment Governance, https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/ wir2015_en.pdf. UN Environment Programme(UNEP)(2024): Environmental Impact of the Conflict in Gaza: Preliminary Assessment of Environmental Impacts, 18/03/2023, https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/han­ dle/20.500.11822/45739/environmental_impact_conflict_Gaza. pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y. UN Geneva(2024): Planning the post-war reconstruction and recovery of Gaza, 06/04/2024, https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/ 2024/04/92267/planning-post-war-reconstruction-and-recovery-gaza. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) (2023): Humanitarian Needs Overview Occupied Palestinian Territory, Humanitarian Programme Cycle 2023, 25/01/2023, https://www. ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-needs-overview-2023. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA) (2024): Humanitarian Situation Update#185, Gaza Strip, https://www. ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-update-185-gaza-strip. UN Women(2021): Gender and Wars in Gaza Untangled. What Past Wars Have Taught Us? https://palestine.un.org/sites/default/files/202112/un%20women%20rga%20brief-compressed%203.pdf. UN Women(2024a): Gender Alert: The Gendered Impact of the Crisis in Gaza, January 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files /2024-01/Gender%20Alert%20The%20Gendered%20Impact%20 of%20the%20Crisis%20in%20Gaza.pdf. UN Women(2024b): Gender alert: Scarcity and fear: A gender analysis of the impact of the war in Gaza on vital services essential to women’s and girls’ health, safety, and dignity – Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), April 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/ 2024-04/gender-alert-gender-analysis-of-the-impact-of-the-war-in-gazaon-vital-services-essential-to-womens-and-girls-health-safety-en.pdf. UN Women(2024c): Gender alert: Voices of strength: Contributions of Palestinian women-led organizations to the humanitarian response in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, June 2024, https://www.unwomen. org/sites/default/files/2024-06/gender-alert_palestine-wlos-en.pdf. UN Women Palestine(2022): After the May 2021 Escalation: A Multi-Sectoral Gender Needs Assessment in the Gaza Strip, https:// palestine.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-05/D6_A%20MultiSectoral%20Gender%20Needs%20Assessment%20in%20the%20 Gaza%20Strip_110522.pdf. USAID(2023): Gender Analysis USAID/West Bank and Gaza – Final Report, Governance Integration for Stabilization and Resilience in the Middle East and North Africa(GISR MENA), 16/03/2023, https://pdf. usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00ZX95.pdf. 13

imprint ABOUT THE AUTHOR IMPRINT Walaa Abu Zaiter is an engineer with a postgraduate de­ gree in Business Administration. She brings extensive ex­ pertise garnered from her wide-ranging experience collab­ orating with both local and international organisations, as well as engaging in national and international consultancy. Her professional journey encompasses diverse fields includ­ ing development, research, emergencies, protracted crises, gender and protection, with a particular focus on human and women’s rights. Walaa has spearheaded a plethora of research initiatives and undertaken independent monitor­ ing and evaluation consultancies for various esteemed na­ tional and international agencies, such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, Women’s Affairs Centre. Published by: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e. V. Godesberger Allee 149 53175 Bonn Germany Email: info@fes.de Issuing Department: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung| Department for Middle East and North Africa| Hiroshimastr. 28| 10785 Berlin| Germany Responsibility for content and editing: Elisabeth Braune, Head of Department for Middle East and North Africa ABOUT THE PROJECT Contact/Order: info.nahost@fes.de »Palestinian Perspectives on the Reconstruction of Gaza« is a joint project carried out by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES) and the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik(SWP), the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. The papers published within the framework of this project focus on Pal­ estinian needs and priorities with regard to a range of topics linked to early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza after the 2023/2024 war. In this context, they do not regard the Gaza Strip as a sepa­ rate entity, but as part of the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967. They also hold that all approaches, be they short or long term, should be compatible with the prin­ ciple of Palestinian self-determination. The objective is to highlight key insights from Palestinian experiences and ex­ pertise and introduce them into the international debate. Pa­ pers cover aspects such as security arrangements, govern­ ance, the role of women and urban planning for recovery and reconstruction. They reflect the author’s views only. Copyediting: James Patterson Design: pertext| www.pertext.de The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES) or the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik(SWP), the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Commercial use of media published by the FES is not permitted without the written consent of the FES. Publications by the FES may not be used for electioneering purposes. ISBN 978-3-98628-572-2 © 2024 Editorial team: Usama Antar, Friederike Stolleis and Kon­ stantin Witschel(FES), Muriel Asseburg(SWP), Omar Shaban(PalThink) www.fes.de/bibliothek/fes-publikationen 15