The disengagement from Gaza by Israel, and the dismantling of the settlements which have dominated the physical and political landscape of the area since 1967, has created a new environment within which IMG has to operate. While freedom of movement within Gaza is no longer rigorously restricted by the IDF, the general lawlessness and infighting between the different militia groups and factions, coupled with the ever-present threat of Israeli military pre-emptive or punitive strikes, makes the performance of day to day activities very difficult.

IMG maintains an office in Gaza city which is responsible for providing a range of technical assistance services to the European Commission. The principal task of the current operation is to identify projects for funding by the EC in the Gaza Strip and also to continue with the monitoring of other EC-financed activities both in Gaza and on the West Bank.

Using a mix of short-term and long-term expertise, IMG has delivered a range of position papers, assessments, pre-feasibility studies and project documents to assist the EC in the identification of a diverse range of projects; among these can be counted the preparation for construction of a sea harbour, the reconstruction and reactivation of the airport in Gaza, various water/waste water projects, a socio-economics paper, agricultural support and also energy projects.


Figure: airport in Gaza, damaged runaway

Among the major focuses of the Palestinian Authority and the International Community have been the airport and the proposed new sea harbour. Both projects are viewed as strategically vital by the Palestinians. In the case of the airport, IMG has prepared a full damage assessment report for both civil works and for the ground navigation systems, terms of reference for the design of works have been prepared as has a cost verification exercise for the construction of a previously agreed cargo terminal. With regard to the sea harbour, a full review has been carried out of all existing documentation related to this issue and recommendations have been made for 3 implementation solutions. A full and all-encompassing study now needs to be undertaken and the terms of reference for this have been finalized by IMG.

In November of 2005, the border crossing (Rafah) between Egypt and Gaza has been reopened, permitting for the first time since the occupation, the possibility for Palestinians to enter and exit the territory without the direct control of Israeli security services. IMG has dispatched a team of customs experts, seconded from the Guardia di Finanza to assess the needs of the customs service at the Rafah crossing. A full equipment list has been prepared, a basic training programme defined for the Palestinian customs, and IMG has prepared all the tender documentation in accordance with EU procedures for the Palestinian Ministry of Finance. All this has been carried out in just one month.

IMG is currently preparing to start the training of the Palestinian customs service and also to undertake an assessment of the customs services needs within the framework of an overall border management agency.