The Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies organized a public symposium titled "Smart Planning for Reconstruction: Practical Experiences and Insights," on Wednesday 23 October 2024, at its headquarters. The Symposium was held alongside a two-day closed workshop held from 21-22 October 2024, which brought together experts and specialists in Palestinian affairs under the theme " Gaza Today and Beyond: Current Priorities and Future Vision."
The symposium featured insights from Dr. Issa Shahrour, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Lille in France and an expert in smart cities and reconstruction, and Dr. Yosef Jabareen, Professor of Urban Planning at Columbia University, USA, specializing in sustainable development and spatial justice in Palestinian communities. The sessions were moderated by Dr. Mohammad Al-Sousi, Senior Fellow at the Center.
The symposium centered on two key themes: reconstruction and smart planning, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to rebuilding communities affected by disasters and conflict, particularly within the Palestinian experience amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Dr. Jabareen examined the impact of systematic demolitions on Palestinian cities since the onset of Israeli settlement expansion, explaining how these demolitions target infrastructure to reshape the geographic and demographic landscape of Palestinian communities, in line with the occupation's strategic goals. He noted that these policies reinforce Israel's apartheid system by creating demographic divisions that severely restrict Palestinian access and mobility across nearly 80% of the occupied territories. Moreover, he pointed out the extensive destruction in Gaza resulting from recent hostilities, drawing comparisons to the devastation in Nagasaki during World War II. He discussed Gaza's reconstruction within a global context, referencing the Marshall Plan as a model for post-war urban rebuilding in Europe and suggesting its lessons could apply to fragile contexts, such as Iraq.
Furthermore, Dr. Shahrour emphasized the critical role of integrated planning in Gaza's reconstruction, stating that efforts must extend beyond infrastructure to also encompass the rehabilitation of social and economic structures. He highlighted the potential of advanced technologies, such as 3D printing and smart materials, to accelerate construction processes and reduce costs, thereby improving the efficiency and impact of reconstruction. He underscored the importance of "smart planning" and adopting smart city principles as strategies for achieving sustainability, emphasizing efficient resource management and building resilience to future challenges.
He also stressed the potential of artificial intelligence and big data to deliver tailored solutions that address the specific needs of affected communities fostering sustainable improvements in quality of life. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of involving local communities throughout the planning and implementation phases to ensure culturally, socially, and economically relevant solutions, enhancing the long-term success and resilience of reconstruction.
The symposium featured active engagement from participants, including a select group of academics and students from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Discussions highlighted the unique challenges of reconstruction in Gaza compared to other international efforts, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach that addresses the distinct political and humanitarian complexities of the Palestinian context and the systematic destruction driven by violent Israeli actions. Participants recognized the importance of scientific planning and empowerment of local human resources in reconstruction, acknowledging their remarkable resilience and perseverance despite imposed challenges. Dr. Shahrour advocated for mobilizing all available Palestinian capacities in support of Gaza's rebuilding, calling for an approach that is both innovative and grounded in modern knowledge. He cited successful international examples, such as the Chinese experience.
Also, it was noted that reconstruction efforts should be tied to the right to self-determination and the resolution of core issues, including the right of return and social justice.