Lana Barreto: Gaza's future is being discussed without local communities' involvement

Gaza's recovery is impossible without the involvement of local communities and the Palestinian population.

Report informs that Lana Barreto of Brazil, global shelter and settlements adviser at the Norwegian Refugee Council, said this during WUF13 in Baku.

"Plans for Gaza's future are being developed and discussed without consultations with Palestinians and without taking into account the views of affected communities," the NRC representative said.

Barreto noted that the involvement of local institutions, municipalities and communities remains a key condition for sustainable recovery, even amid difficult institutional conditions.

She also criticized international recovery plans that are being discussed without taking into account the views of Gaza residents.

According to her, humanitarian response, recovery and new waves of displacement in Gaza are no longer separate stages, but are taking place simultaneously.

"Repeated displacement prevents people from achieving stability and making long-term plans," Barreto said.

She stressed that Gaza's recovery should include not only the construction of housing, but also the restoration of services, community ties and the urban environment.

"Gaza's recovery cannot be limited to rebuilding homes. It is also about restoring social trust, community ties and urban life itself," she added.