Trust is often described as the glue that holds relationships together, but in the context of conflict and humanitarian crises, it becomes something far more essential:the foundation upon which peace and cooperation can be built. Without trust, conflict remains entrenched, aid delivery is obstructed, and reconciliation efforts falter.Yet, in the most challenging conditions, trust can be cultivated—through dialogue, shared interests, and most importantly through consistent actions.
Creation of safe spaces for political dialogue
In conflict situations, trust is typically in short supply. Each side fears that any goodwill gesture may be exploited, leading to an ongoing security dilemma. Scholars argue that trust is a "central requirement" for conflict resolution, as it enables adversaries to take steps towards cooperation with the belief that commitments will be upheld1. Research has shown that trust has a greater impact on cooperation when conflicts of interest are high, meaning that fostering trust is especially crucial in deeply entrenched disputes2.
A key method for building trust in conflict settings is the use of confidence-building measures (CBMs)—small, incremental actions that demonstrate reliability. By proving commitment to agreements in a low-risk manner, CBMs can pave the way for deeper negotiations. However, if trust is not actively built, of structures of cooperation often collapse. This has been seen in numerous failed negotiations, such as Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, where persistent mistrust has prevented long-term agreements3.
Beyond formalnegotiations,trust-building in post-conflict societiesis crucial.
Reconciliation efforts, governancereforms, and community rebuilding all rely on restoring trust not only between groups but also in institutions. Where people do not trust the state or international actors, efforts to maintain peace are likely to fail4.
Trust in Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian operations depend heavily on trust—between aid organizations, local communities, warring parties, and donors. Aid workers must gain the trust of local populations to ensure that humanitarian assistance is accepted and effective. Mistrust, whether due to historical grievances, perceived bias, or lack of transparency, can lead to aid blockages, attacks on humanitarian workers, and ineffective relief efforts5.
One of the most critical aspects of trust in humanitarian work is neutrality. Organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) emphasize the importance of appearing impartial so that all sides in a conflict feel comfortable engaging with aid workers6. Without this trust, access to vulnerable populations becomes nearly impossible.
Similarly, trust is vital in the relationship between humanitarian organizations and their donors. Governments and private donors must believe that aid agencies are using funds efficiently and ethically. Transparency in reporting and accountability measures play a key role in sustaining this trust7.
"Where people do not trust the state or international actors, efforts to maintain peace are likely to fail."
Trust in Environmental Peacebuilding
Environmental peacebuilding presents a unique opportunity to build trust between conflicting groups. Shared natural resources, such as water, energy, and agricultural land, can serve as a common ground for cooperation8. When two sides of a conflict recognize that collaboration on environmental issues benefits both sides, they begin to develop trust that can extend beyond ecological concerns.
One prominent example is cross-border water management agreements. Research has found that countries engaged in joint water governance are more likely to foster peaceful relations, as these agreements necessitate ongoing cooperation and information sharing. Similar initiatives, such as shared solar energy projects or collaborative conservation efforts, have been effective in building trust between divided communities9.
Rebuilding Trust in Action: Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza
The theoretical aspects of trust-building are not merely abstract concepts; they come to life in humanitarian projects that bridge deeply divided communities. Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza is one such initiative, working at the intersection of humanitarian relief, energy and WASH access, and environmental peacebuilding. The project aims to provide shelter, energy and WASH services for 20,000 displaced people in the south and north of Gaza.
Trust Between Partners: Overcoming Skepticism and Building Cooperation
In a region where decades of conflict have eroded trust, working together as Israeli and Palestinian partners requires intentional trust-building measures. The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, an environmental research institute located in Kibutz Ketura at the Arava valley, has long worked at fostering such connections with Damour for Community Development, a Palestinian NGO.
For the past eight years, both organizations have worked together at building access for off-grid energy and WASH services to communities in the region. When the war in Gaza began, both organizations turned to each other to see how they could support relief efforts.
From the outset, the initiative faced skepticism—would the collaboration last? Would aid be delivered fairly? Could the partners truly continue to rely on one another under such a challenging reality? Overcoming these doubts required consistency, transparency, and a commitment to open communication.
One of the key ways trust was established was through inclusive decision-making. Palestinian partners were not just beneficiaries of aid but leading stakeholders in designing and implementing the project. Every step of the process—selecting sites, determining needs, distributing resources—was done collaboratively. This ensured that no party felt sidelined, a key factor in trustbuilding.
Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza delivers humanitarian aid and off-grid infrastructure solutions to displaced communities across Gaza, with a pre ceasire reach of over 12,000 people. The project supports displaced people’s shelters with essential supplies, including food, hygiene kits, tents, water bladders, and winter clothing, while simultaneously building towards implementing off-grid water, sanitation, and energy systems. These include atmospheric water generators, desalination units, biodigesters, solar microgrids, and mobile wastewater treatment technologies. Aid is procured locally and internationally, coordinated with Israeli authorities, and adapted in real-time to evolving field conditions.
In response to the ongoing blockade and renewed displacement, the initiative has prioritized emergency food distributions and rapid WASH infrastructure deployment, including the construction and repair of over 50 toilets and washing stations.
Trust in Humanitarian Aid: Delivering on Commitments
Trust in aid work is built through delivering on commitments. Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza focused on immediate, tangible needs: providing off-grid water desalination, energy solutions, and sanitation infrastructure in areas where traditional aid mechanisms had failed.
One of the first trust-building milestones was the successful deployment aid in the form of food, hygiene kits, tents and more. Many aid projects in the past had failed to meet expectations due to bureaucratic hurdles or unreliable logistics. By ensuring that the first deployment was successful, the initiative gained credibility within the community.
Another crucial factor was ensuring equal and fair distribution of aid. Transparency was key: all stakeholders—Palestinian partners, community leaders, and international supporters—knew exactly what resources were available and how they were being allocated. This level of openness countered mistrust and prevented fears of favoritism or hidden agendas.
Trust in Environmental Peacebuilding: A Shared Interest in Sustainability
Beyond immediate relief, the project also emphasized long-term sustainability and cooperation, reflecting the principles of environmental peacebuilding. The introduction of renewable energy and water solutions is not just about humanitarian relief—it was about laying the groundwork for continued collaboration between communities. Water and energy shortages do not discriminate by nationality, and addressing these challenges together fosters interdependence. By working on shared environmental concerns, Israeli and Palestinian partners developed a common interest in maintaining and expanding the project, creating a durable foundation for trust beyond political divides.
The next stage of this response is the recent procurement of 8 Watergen machines, which are atmospheric water generators. These systems are being sent to field hospitals and IDP camps in Gaza, to provide a long lasting response to the shortage of high quality drinking water.
Conclusion
Trust is not an abstract ideal—it is the practical foundation for conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. Without trust, negotiations collapse, aid delivery stalls, and reconciliation efforts struggle to take root. However, when trust is built intentionally—through transparency, shared decision-making, and demonstrated reliability—it has the power to transform adversaries into partners. Jumpstarting Hope in Gaza illustrates that trust-building is possible even in the most challenging environments. By committing to inclusive collaboration, fulfilling promises, and focusing on shared survival needs, the initiative has not only provided life-saving humanitarian aid but also created new avenues for cooperation between communities long divided by conflict.
As this work continues, one thing remains clear: trust is the foundation upon which lasting peace is built.
REFERENCES:
1
Kelman, H. C. (2005). "Building Trust Among Enemies: The Central Challenge for International Conflict Resolution." International Journal of Intercultural Relations.
2
Balliet, D., & Van Lange, P. (2013). "Trust, conflict, and cooperation: A meta-analysis." Psychological Bulletin.
3
Braunold, J., & Yerkes, S. (2017). "Is a peace deal possible if Israelis and Palestinians simply don’t trust each other?" Brookings Institution.
4
Slim, H. (2019). "Trust Me – I’m a Humanitarian." ICRC Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog.
5
Viehoff, A. et al. (2024). "Using climate and environmental challenges to build trust in conflict-affected areas."
*Climate Diplomacy.*
6
Aljets, C., et al. (2022). "Fostering Constructive Relations: Approaches to Trust-Building in Peacebuilding Interventions." IFSH Research Report.
7
Weatherby, C. (2021). "The Role of Environmental Cooperation in Peacebuilding." Journal of Peace Research.
8
Conca, K. (2015). "Environmental Governance and the Politics of Trust." Global Environmental Politics.
9
Ide, T. (2018). "The Impact of Environmental Cooperation on Peacemaking Efforts." Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences.
