Institutional reform and regional partnership in Gaza

Regional partners are positioning themselves to play a key role in shaping institutional reform within the Gaza Strip and broader Palestinian governance framework.

Sustainable change in governance, representation and civil society in Gaza depends in large measure on support from neighboring and regional states.

As one recent analysis noted, Gaza’s “day after” scenario will require an Arab-led alternative rather than sole reliance on other external actors.

Partner nations’ support for governance and representation

Regional states are pledging logistical, financial and technical support for governance reform under the Palestinian Authority (PA) or emerging frameworks under consideration.

For example, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signaled its readiness to provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance while emphasizing reform as a condition for large-scale funding.

The European Union has indicated EUR 1.9 billion earmarked for Palestinian reforms between now and 2027, with Gulf states also pledging complementary support.

Regional partners blend funding with institutional support to strengthen governance, civic representation and civil society for Palestinians in Gaza and beyond.

Architecting institutional reform

Current reform proposals aim to strengthen Palestinian elections and improve the administrative capacity of the Palestinian Authority across the West Bank and Gaza.

They also emphasize establishing governance structures in Gaza that carry local legitimacy and are supported by regional partners.

Experts stress that meaningful reform should not merely replace one governing faction with another, but instead create a credible, civilian-led framework for transparent and accountable governance.

Regional nations support reform by training public administrators, building civil society infrastructure and funding leadership development programs for long-term governance capacity.

In the post-conflict environment, the challenge is two-fold: stabilize governance and build long‐term institutional resilience. Without both, even well-intentioned reform risks faltering.

A future of peace and opportunity

The ultimate aim of these reforms is to help secure a better future for Palestinians in Gaza, and contribute to a lasting peace for the region.

Strong governance and representation can underpin economic recovery, social stability and help deter the re-emergence of extremist rule.

Regional partners emphasize that their role is not only humanitarian but also political and structural, focused on building institutions that can sustain peace and stability.

By rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening governance, regional partners aim to help Gaza transition into a stable and representative political entity.

Successful institutional reforms backed by regional partners can empower Gazans, strengthen inclusive governance and help create lasting conditions for peace in Palestine and the region.