Rebuilding Gaza: A $53 Billion Challenge
The United Nations has issued a stark warning that over $53 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza and address the severe humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the region due to ongoing conflict. This staggering figure includes an immediate need for $20 billion within the first three years of recovery efforts. The UN emphasized that establishing a robust political and security framework is crucial for any rebuilding initiative to take root, facilitating a political process aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and paving the way for a two-state solution.
The destruction in Gaza is widespread, affecting essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and roads, largely due to relentless military operations following a major Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the initial assessment reflects the extensive recovery and reconstruction needs of the territory, though he cautioned that it is not exhaustive. The report outlines a staggering total of $53.142 billion required for rebuilding efforts across various sectors in both the short and long term.
Immediate Needs and Sectoral Breakdown
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the UN General Assembly’s resolution in December, which called for an immediate ceasefire and a comprehensive assessment of Gaza’s needs. With over 60 percent of homes reported destroyed in the protracted conflict, the housing sector alone requires an estimated $15.2 billion to address the crisis. In addition, the commerce and industry sectors will each need approximately $6.9 billion, while the health sector faces similar financial demands.
Agriculture, a vital component of Gaza’s economy, will require about $4.2 billion to revitalize, while transportation infrastructure is estimated to need $2.9 billion. Water and sanitation services will require around $2.7 billion, and educational facilities will need $2.6 billion to recover from the devastation. This comprehensive sectoral analysis highlights the multifaceted challenges facing Gaza’s recovery efforts.
Environmental and Cleanup Costs
The report further identifies significant environmental challenges, estimating that the cleanup of debris alone will cost approximately $1.9 billion. This figure accounts for the hazardous materials present, including unexploded ordnance and asbestos, which pose serious risks to public health and safety. It is estimated that the conflict has generated over 50 million tons of debris, complicating recovery efforts.
UN officials stressed the importance of addressing these environmental issues as part of the broader reconstruction plan. The presence of dangerous materials not only delays recovery but also endangers the lives of those attempting to rebuild their communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive planning and action.
The Role of Palestinian Authority
A key element in the recovery process is the involvement of the Palestinian Authority, which UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized must take a central role in planning and executing reconstruction efforts in Gaza. This assertion comes amidst fears of external interventions that could undermine Palestinian sovereignty over the rebuilding process.
Recently, controversial comments from US President Donald Trump regarding intentions to ‘take over’ Gaza and displace its population have sparked global outrage. Such remarks have been met with strong resistance from the Palestinian community, reinforcing the need for local leadership and control over recovery initiatives to ensure that the needs and rights of the population are prioritized.
