Over $80 billion needed to rebuild Gaza

A sense of relief has spread through Gaza following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli Occupation. However, significant challenges lie ahead, particularly in the strip's reconstruction, which is expected to take years and require massive international efforts.

More than 18 months of the Israeli Occupation aggression have left Gaza in ruins. Extensive airstrikes and ground operations destroyed over 70 percent of the region’s housing, with damage ranging from partial to complete. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and utilities, has also been severely affected.

Read more: What are details of Gaza ceasefire deal?

The UN estimates the cost of rebuilding to be over USD 80 billion. Additionally, clearing more than 42 million tons of rubble—a process expected to cost over USD 1 billion—remains a major hurdle.

The UN warned that removing the rubble is a highly complex and time-consuming task. The presence of unexploded bombs, hazardous materials, and bodies buried under debris exacerbates the challenge. Building new homes could take until 2040 or beyond, particularly if reconstruction efforts proceed at the sluggish pace observed after previous Israeli Occupation aggressions.

In the agricultural sector, satellite imagery reveals that over half of Gaza’s farmlands have been damaged by bombings, intensifying food insecurity and compounding the hardship faced by residents.