Khaberni - The United Nations and European Union estimated Gaza's needs at approximately $71.4 billion for recovery and reconstruction over the next decade, following two years of the Israeli genocidal war on the region.
The assessment clarifies that the total amount needed, including $26.3 billion in the first 18 months, is necessary to restore essential services, rebuild vital infrastructure, and support economic recovery.
In their final rapid damage and needs assessment report for Gaza, conducted jointly with the World Bank, they emphasized the need to start the recovery program now, concurrently with humanitarian work, alerting to the disastrous impact on human development in the sector, which is estimated to have regressed 77 years.
Damage and Losses
The international report, released today, Monday, estimated the physical damage to infrastructure at about $35.2 billion, while economic and social losses amounted to $22.7 billion.
The report concluded that the most affected sectors include housing, health, education, trade, and agriculture, noting the destruction and damage of more than 371,888 residential units, while more than 50% of hospitals are out of service, almost all schools have been destroyed or damaged, and Gaza's economy has contracted by 84%.
The number of martyrs due to the two-year Israeli war in the region has risen to 72,551 since October 2023 until today, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, along with the displacement of about 1.9 million people.
The report noted that women, children, persons with disabilities, and individuals in previously fragile conditions bear the greatest burden.
Recovery Terms
The European Union and the United Nations emphasized the need for recovery and reconstruction operations to be led by Palestinians and include an approach focused on rebuilding better for the future, supporting the transition of governance to the Palestinian Authority in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan, as well as enhancing a sustainable political settlement based on the two-state solution, according to the report.
The report stressed that neither the UN Security Council resolution nor the comprehensive plan can be implemented without achieving two goals: physically and institutionally rebuilding Gaza, and setting a clear path to establishing a Palestinian state in all occupied territories.
It stated that sustained ceasefire and adequate security are essential conditions for successful recovery and reconstruction operations.
The report recommended that planning and implementation operations be inclusive, transparent, and accountable, and pay special attention to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
To support recovery, the report emphasized the necessity of unobstructed humanitarian aid access, immediate restoration of essential services, and assurance of free movement of individuals, goods, and reconstruction materials within Gaza and the West Bank, along with the presence of an effective and transparent financial system.
The United Nations confirmed the necessity for clear governance and accountability, including setting priorities and necessary conditions for transitional administrative bodies under the Security Council resolution, to coordinate with the Palestinian Authority, and establishing a reliable course for the future governance of the Palestinian Authority throughout the occupied Palestinian territories.
It said that debris removal, management of explosive munitions, and settling housing, land, and property issues are fundamental requirements for reconstruction.
It concluded that the international community has the responsibility to mobilize resources and remove all obstacles preventing the swift deployment of expertise and equipment.
