UN-EU Report Says Gaza Needs Over $71 Billion for Reconstruction, With $26.3 Billion Required in First 18 Months

The Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), a joint report by the EU and UN, details the extensive financial requirements following recent conflict. This comprehensive assessment outlines the catastrophic impact on human development across the territory, with devastation spanning critical infrastructure and the local economy.

The assessment identifies physical infrastructure damage totaling an estimated $35.2 billion. Economic and social losses reach $22.7 billion, highlighting the widespread disruption to livelihoods and community structures. These figures underscore the scale of devastation across vital sectors, including housing, health, education, commerce, and agriculture, impacting daily life for millions.

The report details significant destruction across the enclave. It identifies 371,888 housing units as either destroyed or damaged. Over 50 percent of hospitals remain nonfunctional, severely limiting healthcare access, and nearly all schools have suffered destruction or damage. The conflict has also generated over 61 million tonnes of rubble, fundamentally altering the landscape and leaving entire communities buried.

Gaza's economy contracted by 84 percent, reflecting the widespread economic collapse. The conflict displaced 1.9 million people, representing over 60 percent of the population, often multiple times. This displacement has left a majority of residents without stable homes. Overall, the assessment concludes that human development in Gaza has regressed by 77 years due to the conflict's far-reaching effects on societal structures and individual well-being.

Meeting these substantial financial needs presents a significant challenge for international partners and regional stakeholders. The UN and EU advocate for a "Palestinian-led" reconstruction effort, based on approaches that actively support a transition of governance to the Palestinian Authority. Securing the necessary funding and implementing recovery programs effectively will be crucial in shaping Gaza's future for decades to come. Monitoring the commitment and delivery of this aid remains critical.