The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Promoting Civil Peace in War-Affected Societies

(The Gaza Strip as a Model)

Abstract

This study sought to examine the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering civil peace during the war on the Gaza Strip. The study is classified as a descriptive research design and employed the social survey method using a sample-based approach. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researcher and administered to a set of NGOs actively engaged in civil peace promotion during the conflict, totaling 38 organizations. The study sample comprised 76 respondents, including directors, project managers, and social workers, selected through a purposive sampling technique.The most important findings of the study: The findings indicate that the role of NGOs in promoting civil peace during the war on the Gaza Strip was assessed as high across all examined dimensions. The highest contribution was in strengthening social cohesion (88.47%), followed by enhancing the rule of law (83.71%), promoting a culture of community dialogue (83.08%), criminalizing hate speech (82.52%), and finally fostering a culture of public property protection (79.82%). The study further revealed that the level of constraints limiting the effectiveness of civil peace promotion during the war in the Gaza Strip was also high, reaching 86.18%, indicating substantial operational and contextual challenges facing NGOs in this domain. The most important recommendations of the study: Expanding the utilization of digital platforms and new media tools to reinforce a culture of inclusive community dialogue and participatory communication. Establishing clear institutional frameworks to ensure fairness and transparency in the distribution of humanitarian assistance, integrated with robust monitoring and community accountability mechanisms.