Rebuilding the war-ravaged Gaza Strip will require an estimated $53.2 billion over the next decade, following 15 months of Israel’s military offensive, according to a comprehensive joint assessment by the United Nations, European Union, and the World Bank. The staggering figure underscores the scale of destruction and the monumental effort needed to restore critical infrastructure, housing, and economic stability in the enclave.
The Gaza & West Bank Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA), published on Tuesday, attributes approximately $49 billion in destruction to the Israeli bombardment between October 8, 2023, and October 8, 2024. The findings emphasize the urgent need for global cooperation, with around $20 billion required within the first three years alone to address immediate priorities.
According to the report, more than half of the total reconstruction costs—approximately $29.9 billion—are earmarked for rebuilding homes, roads, and other key infrastructure. Housing bore the brunt of the devastation, with an estimated 292,000 homes either destroyed or severely damaged. With Gaza’s local economy shrinking by 83% and 95% of hospitals rendered non-functional, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen.
Beyond physical destruction, the assessment also estimates a $19.1 billion loss in social and economic sectors, including education, healthcare, commerce, and industry. The scale of the damage has severely hindered Gaza’s ability to recover, compounding the challenges for millions of displaced residents.
The report highlights that securing the necessary funding will require a diverse coalition of donors, including governments, financial institutions, and the private sector. However, logistical challenges such as restrictions on the movement of reconstruction materials, political instability, and ongoing security concerns pose significant obstacles to effective rebuilding efforts.
Years of clearing unexploded ordnance and removing millions of tons of rubble are also expected to slow down recovery, further complicating reconstruction plans.
The future of Gaza remains unclear as geopolitical tensions continue to shape its fate. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been marred by repeated violations, raising concerns over the sustainability of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, controversial proposals by former U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently displace Gaza’s 2 million residents have drawn widespread criticism. Trump’s plan, which envisions turning Gaza into a high-end coastal destination dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East,” has been met with resistance from regional players, particularly Egypt and Jordan.
Egypt is currently leading an alternative Arab-backed initiative aimed at preserving Gaza’s population while facilitating reconstruction. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently confirmed that Cairo is working on a comprehensive multi-phase recovery plan that could see up to $20 billion in financial support from Arab and Gulf nations.
With international actors still debating the best approach to Gaza’s reconstruction, time is running out for millions of Palestinians struggling to survive amid worsening humanitarian conditions. The ability to mobilize funding, coordinate efforts, and navigate political challenges will determine whether Gaza can rebuild or remain trapped in a cycle of devastation.
As discussions continue, the global community faces a pivotal moment—one that will shape the future of Gaza and its people for generations to come.
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