Palestinian Ambassador to Russia Abdel Hafiz Nofal has stated in Moscow that rebuilding the Gaza Strip would require an estimated 80 to 90 billion dollars. Citing United Nations calculations, he noted that restoring critical infrastructure and essential public services would likely take seven to eight years under current conditions. Nofal stressed that a major effort of this scale would demand not only funds but sustained political coordination across borders, emergency relief, and a solid framework for postwar reconstruction. He indicated that the Palestinian Authority should return to Gaza as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people because it possesses the governance structures and accountability mechanisms needed to manage the reconstruction process. Additionally, he called for the organization of an international donor conference that would be feasible only with the active participation of the Palestinian Authority, ensuring aid channels reach the affected population and are overseen by a recognized authority.
From his perspective, the PA’s return to Gaza is not only about legitimacy but about practical management of resources, planning, and public confidence. The ambassador argued that a credible reconstruction plan requires coordination with international partners, local authorities, and civil society groups. He underscored the importance of transparent governance, local job creation, and safeguarding the rights of residents returning to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. The call for a donor conference is framed as a step to mobilize financial commitments, technical support, and governance standards that would deter misallocation and ensure transparent reporting. The statement aligns with wider international expectations that reconstruction in Gaza must be anchored in a legitimate, representative authority that can deliver results and maintain accountability to donors and residents alike.
Turning to the broader regional crisis, the clash in the Middle East intensified on October 7, 2023, when thousands of Hamas supporters breached border defenses and entered Israeli territory from Gaza. The event prompted Israel to declare a state of war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the onset of active hostilities and guiding military responses aimed at countering the initial assault and subsequent threats. The ensuing days saw a series of military moves and strategic decisions by Israeli forces as they sought to neutralize the threat and restore security along the front lines.
On October 27, 2023, Israel announced the expansion of its ground operation in Gaza. By early November the conflict had moved into a new phase as Israeli troops advanced and imposed new restrictions around urban centers. By November 5, Gaza City was effectively cut off from essential food supplies, triggering a humanitarian crisis for residents already enduring siege conditions. In early December the third phase of the ground operation unfolded, with Israeli forces encircling Khan Younis in the southern portion of the strip and intensifying efforts to disrupt militant infrastructure and supply routes. The sequence of military steps raised questions about civilian protection, the pace of operations, and the prospects for a return to stable governance for those living in Gaza.
Meanwhile in the United States, officials warned of potential threats tied to the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel, urging heightened vigilance across major cities and critical infrastructure. The statements reflected concerns among international partners about possible escalations and the risk of copycat acts or retaliatory violence. The conflict’s trajectory continues to influence regional diplomacy, humanitarian aid campaigns, and international efforts to secure a durable ceasefire and a viable path toward reconstruction when conditions permit.