Gaza group warns US-led reconstruction aims to reshape demographics

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 21:15

GCHR warns that US-backed reconstruction plans in the Israeli-occupied parts of Gaza violate international law and aim to reshape demographics without local consent.

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Palestinians inspect the damage to a house targeted by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, Saturday, November 22, 2025 (AP)

The Gaza Center for Human Rights (GCHR) has raised concerns over reported US plans in Gaza reconstruction, warning that an initiative to build residential blocs in Israeli-occupied areas could violate international humanitarian law and further erode Palestinian rights.

In a statement issued Friday, the GCHR said the plan reflects a joint US-Israeli strategy to tie reconstruction and basic civil rights to security and political conditions, a move the center argues constitutes coercive governance under occupation.

The reported framework, according to GCHR, would establish joint military control over parts of Gaza and “alter the demographic distribution within the Strip,” threatening Palestinians' rights to land ownership, adequate housing, and freedom of movement.

Gaza rights group denounces demographic reshaping efforts

The center warned that although the project appears technical, involving rubble clearance and construction, it represents a deeper effort at social engineering, designed to create new political realities while excluding Palestinian participation.

The statement warned that such an approach views civilians as mere “subjects of political experimentation” and disregards the international duty to prioritize reconstruction efforts based on the needs and rights of residents rather than external interests.

It added that the presence of military and engineering teams in the initiative highlights disregard for civilian safety and the lack of any real commitment to restoring basic rights lost during "Israel’s" military assault on Gaza.

Int'l law concerns over Peace Council framework

GCHR also raised alarm over the proposed Peace Council Gaza framework, which would reportedly include an international force with broad administrative powers. The center warned that this could serve as a mechanism to leverage humanitarian aid in exchange for political control.

The center called on international actors to adhere to international humanitarian law, which forbids the enforcement of coercive measures on civilian populations, their displacement, or limitations on their right to decide their own living conditions.

The plan also reportedly involves the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and armed groups linked to the Israeli military, both accused by rights groups of contributing to or facilitating acts of genocide.

GCHR warns of foreign control over Palestinian rebuilding

The rights center emphasized that all reconstruction in Gaza must prioritize residents' needs, protect their rights, and include direct participation from Palestinian civil society. Foreign-led efforts that sideline locals, it argued, undermine sovereignty and deepen national fragmentation.

The GCHR emphasized that introducing any type of foreign governance or ambiguous international mandate over Gaza would only intensify division, isolate the region, and further undermine Palestinian national unity.

Resolution 2803 cited as example of weakening Palestinian rights

GCHR also pointed to broader international dynamics, such as the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2803, passed on November 17, which the center claims bolsters "Israel’s" control over Palestinian territory and further diminishes the Palestinian right to self-determination.

It called on the international community to prevent the exploitation of humanitarian suffering for geopolitical gain and to support reconstruction efforts that are grounded in justice, equality, and local leadership.