A group of independent UN experts has stressed that the reconstruction of Gaza must be fully led by Palestinians and conducted according to international law and human rights standards. They warned that external control or political and economic interference would amount to a neo colonial approach, undermining the Palestinian people’s right to self determination and their ability to rebuild their own lives.

The experts criticised the proposal for a so called “Peace Council” by the United Nations Security Council, describing it as illegitimate and contrary to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Palestinian rights. They highlighted that treating Gaza as an investment zone or opportunity for profit ignores the suffering of its residents and their right to return safely to their homes and land.

According to the statement, nearly 92 percent of Gaza’s housing was damaged or destroyed by October 2025, a scale of devastation that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The occupying power was held primarily responsible for reconstruction, alongside states that provided military support, while UN experts including Francesca Albanese and Balakrishnan Rajagopal called for a permanent ceasefire, an end to the occupation, and international guarantees to prevent further violations against Palestinians.