The War in Gaza that began when Hamas attacked Israel has lasted almost a year now, and Israel, Hamas, and the civilian population of Gaza have suffered terribly from high-intensity operations in close quarters.  We hope for the return of hostages and peace in the area for many years to come.  This is hard to visualize when Gaza itself is in ruins.  The structures are crumbled and riddled with evidence of shells and gunfire.  The high-intensity fighting in an urban environment in close proximity to large amounts of civilians will hopefully wind down and bring in a new era for Gaza.  Hopefully, a ceasefire and hostage release are imminent.  The million-dollar question is, “Now, how do we rebuild for a lasting peace?”

Observations on Rebuilding in Iraq

In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq with overwhelming force and firepower, destroying military targets and combatants throughout the area.  The Saddam Regime and Iraqi Military were systematically eliminated.  The Coalition Provision Authority and leadership at the time decided to disband the military in the process of occupation, which some argue was a mistake.   The leadership was removed and sometimes eliminated, and the United States and Allied soldiers occupied the country following the initial invasion.  Iraq and its population entered into a new and frightening time period.  Some argue the military invasion went so well that it surprised everyone how fast the occupation and rebuilding of Iraq was thrust upon the people of Iraq and its new occupiers.  The phrase, “You broke it, you bought it,” comes to mind after the invasion was complete.  A long period of occupation, insurgency, and rebuilding was to follow, and to some extent, goes on today more than 20 years later.  After a conflict, the Peace Plan is typically harder to implement and support for all involved.  I hope Israel and the world will learn from the past when entering into the post-war Gaza period.

Security in Post-War Gaza

The destruction of Hamas and infrastructure in Gaza yields significant challenges for the Palestinians and the Middle East in particular.  There are many questions that are on the minds of the people involved and in the region.  A lasting peace requires a top-notch plan and implementation.  The security of the population and area of Gaza is a primary consideration when moving forward.  Plainly put, Israel will likely do everything in their power to prevent rocket and terrorist attacks from Gaza.  Additionally, the Palestinians must be provided with a sense of security of their own.  This implies that Israel will initially and possibly permanently provide security for the area.  A main point of contention involves the operation and security of the Philadelphia Corridor, the area of the border between Gaza and Egypt.  Israel may consider the fact that this is a smuggling route for weapons and personnel into Gaza that could allow in terrorists and bad actors.  I speculate Israel will maintain a security presence in this area, both above and below ground, through a variety of methods.  On the Egyptian side of the border, there could also potentially be an international force to secure their side of the Philadelphia Corridor.

Peace and Rebuilding Plan for Gaza

The rebuilding process and healing of the population will require enormous effort, resources, compassion, and technically proficient diplomacy for the implementation of a peaceful area for years to come.  There has not been much mentioned in the technical details of a Peace Plan for the region.  Some speculate an international coalition of Middle Eastern countries would be best employed in Gaza after the hostilities cease and the hostages are returned.  Under this scenario, countries in the region could develop better relationships with the Palestinians and thus be more effective in the reshaping and rebuilding process.  Other opinions include an International UN effort.  Another possibility would be for Israel to manage the rebuilding, although the animosity would make this a truly tall order.

Funding the rebuilding and humanitarian aid during the peace process will also be a tall order.  I’m not sure whether “You broke it, you bought it” applies in this instance.  Nevertheless, the humanitarian needs and the requirement of basically building Gaza from the ground up will have an astronomical cost.  It remains to be seen who will pay for the efforts, both in a financial sense and a manpower sense.  Both costs and risks are high yet necessary for those involved.

I hope the hostilities cease and the hostages are released in an expedient manner.  The implementers of the Peace and Rebuilding plan have many years of challenging work ahead of them.  The cost and manpower of such efforts will likely require international cooperation and support, and they will require consistency and stability throughout the process.  May peace prevail.

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