UN development experts reported today that an estimated $70 billion will be required to reconstruct the Gaza Strip and restore safety following two years of conflict. The announcement comes as humanitarian agencies stress that insufficient aid is reaching the enclave’s $2.1$ million desperate Palestinians.
The finding, based on the latest Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA) by the UN, the European Union, and the World Bank, underscores the colossal scale of destruction. According to Jaco Cilliers, UN Development Programme Special Representative for the Palestinians, the destruction across the enclave is now estimated to be in the region of 84 percent, rising to $92$ percent in parts of Gaza City.
To kickstart this massive undertaking, approximately $20 billion will be required within the next three years alone. The UNDP is currently focusing on early recovery efforts, including the removal of over $81,000$ tonnes of debris to provide access for humanitarian actors and clearing potential unexploded ordnance.
However, the immediate crisis remains critical. Despite the signing of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel on Monday evening, aid flow remains severely constrained. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires reported that the initial enthusiasm for relief is “just not being reflected on the ground,” emphasizing that aid teams are “not getting enough aid in” to meet the enormous and fluid needs. Over $300,000$ Palestinians have headed north to Gaza City since the ceasefire took hold last Friday, further complicating delivery efforts.
The development follows the release of all $20$ remaining living Israeli hostages on Monday, alongside Palestinian prisoners. Attention is now shifting to the complex and difficult transfer of deceased hostages, overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
While potential donors from Arab States, European nations, and the United States have indicated support for the long-term reconstruction, UN humanitarians continue to clamor for Israeli authorities to open all access points into Gaza to avert a deepening humanitarian catastrophe.
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