Gaza Reconstruction Needs Over $71 Billion in Next Decade, UN-EU Report Details

Recent conflict has devastated Gaza, leaving significant damage across all sectors. Over 371,000 housing units are destroyed or damaged, and more than 50 percent of hospitals are nonfunctional. Nearly all schools have sustained damage, severely impacting education. The economy has contracted by 84 percent, displacing 1.9 million people, with over 60 percent losing their homes.

Gaza's recovery and reconstruction over the next decade will require over $71 billion, a new UN-EU report states. The most immediate needs call for $26.3 billion within the first 18 months. This sum aims to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and support economic recovery. The report estimates physical infrastructure damages at $35.2 billion. Economic and social losses combine for an additional $22.7 billion, reflecting the conflict’s broader impact on society and commerce.

This financial assessment highlights the extensive challenges ahead for the territory. The report emphasizes the need for a Palestinian-led reconstruction effort. Such an approach aims to support the transition of governance to the Palestinian Authority. Future progress hinges on securing this substantial funding and coordinating international and local efforts effectively.