The Palestinian Authority is hoping to raise $2.8 billion for Gaza at a donor conference in Egypt next week. PA "Prime Minister" Salam Fayyad will ask donors to give via the Fatah-led PA, and to bypass the Hamas government in Gaza.
Fayyad's request to channel aid through the PA was included in a report sent out to donors prior to the conference. The report was obtained Thursday by the Associated Press.
Fayyad said Wednesday that the PA needs at least $2.8 billion in order to repair damage caused in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead. Aid groups in Gaza have already received tens of millions of dollars in aid following the operation, including a $30 million donation from Qatar earlier this week. In addition, the United States has offered $900 million in aid for Gaza.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the PA needs $1.15 billion to cover its own recurrent costs, and at least $600 million for Gaza. Hamas claims to need more than $2 billion to repair damage in Gaza.
The IMF urged Israel to allow Gaza Arabs more frequent use of Israeli crossings in the Negev to import and export goods. More freedom of passage will strengthen Gaza's private sector and speed recovery, the group said.
Israel has blamed Gaza terrorists' daily rocket attacks for the closure of crossings to all goods but those necessary for humanitarian purposes.
Operation Cast Lead lasted for three weeks and left many buildings damaged or destroyed, including more than 90 percent of Hamas' infrastructure. More than 1,000 residents of Gaza were killed, most of them armed terrorists.
Gaza aid groups frequently sought donations prior to the operation as well, as more than 60 percent of Gaza residents receive some form of food aid.