Written question asked by Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Tunnicliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 19 March 2009.

Gaza

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how much long-term reconstruction aid will be required for Gaza; and what plans they have to help rebuild infrastructure in Gaza.

Answer: The Palestinian national early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza 2009-10 (formerly known as the GERRP) was presented at the international conference in support of the Palestinian economy for the reconstruction of Gaza (2 March 2009, Sharm el-Sheikh). The plan lays out what needs to be done over the next two years to replace damaged and destroyed public infrastructure, rebuild homes and help the economy recover. The UK Government and other donors support the plan and believe it offers a sound blueprint for recovery in Gaza. It is available on the OCHA website at www.ochaopt.org/cluster/clusters.php?domain=3. On 1 March 2009, the Department for International Development (DfID) pledged £30 million for recovery in Gaza. This will help rebuild damaged and destroyed homes, schools and hospitals in Gaza, and help ensure delivery of basic services. DfID has also allocated £443,000 to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to clear unexploded ordnance from sites across Gaza. Recovery is only the first stage of rebuilding Gaza. For longer-term reconstruction, we expect the World Bank, EC and UN to take the lead on a full needs assessment. We will assess support to reconstruction at that stage.

Secondary information