Governance and Management

Governance structures currently remain confined to national frameworks, limiting institutional cooperation. The first phase of cross-border governance involves bilateral agreements that enable joint initiatives and policy coordination. Further integration would necessitate the establishment of cross-border governance bodies, incorporating democratic decision-making processes to regulate economic, environmental, and infrastructural policies. Ultimately, a multi-level governance system, encompassing local, national, and supranational authorities, would provide the regulatory mechanisms required for sustainable crossborder integration.

Transborder Metropolitan Area:

Creating peaceful coexistence within a region necessitates establishing a fully functioning Palestinian state, complete with a national government and local authorities. A transboundary metropolitan area, comprising the urban regions of Al Arish - Rafah, Gaza,

Ashkelon-Ashdod, could ensure coherent governance of environmental and economic processes, facilitate the integration of respective economic activities, and enhance development on both regional and international scales. Drawing from international experiences, transborder metropolitan areas have played a crucial role in fostering economic resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Examples such as the San Diego-Tijuana corridor in North America, the Øresund Region between Denmark and Sweden, and the Basel Metropolitan Area spanning France, Germany, and Switzerland illustrate how structured cross-border cooperation can transform divided regions into thriving hubs of integration. These cases highlight the importance of infrastructure coordination, shared economic policies, and institutionalized governance frameworks in overcoming political and historical divisions. 

While the current reality may seem distant from this vision, effective reconstruction plans must prioritize the potential for cross-border integration. This process requires incremental actions with a long-term perspective, extending beyond traditional disaster recovery timelines, alongside concrete international support and partnerships from the outset. The development of border zones into cooperative economic and cultural spaces can serve as a foundation for peacebuilding, while also ensuring long-term sustainability for all parties involved.

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