Gaza's Recovery: A $71.4 Billion Challenge

A joint assessment by the European Union, United Nations, and World Bank has determined that the Gaza Strip will require an estimated $71.4 billion over the next decade for recovery and reconstruction following nearly two years of conflict. The Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) highlights that $26.3 billion of this total is needed within the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and support economic recovery.

TRT WorldEU, UN say Gaza recovery needs $71.4 billion after two years of warThe Defense PostGaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstructionInternational report estimates Gaza reconstruction needs at $71.4 billionCommon DreamsGaza reconstruction to cost $71.4 billion over a decade: UNGaza reconstruction estimated at Sh9.2 trillion after widespread war damage - report

The report estimates physical infrastructure damage at $35.2 billion, while economic and social losses are pegged at $22.7 billion. The sectors most severely impacted include housing, health, education, commerce, and agriculture. Approximately 371,888 housing units have been destroyed or damaged, over half of the hospitals are non-functional, and nearly all schools have suffered damage. The economy of Gaza has contracted by 84%, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced around 1.9 million people, with more than 60% of the population losing their homes.

Gaza reconstruction to cost US$71 billion after devastating war, UN-EU assessment findsCommon DreamsGaza reconstruction estimated at Sh9.2 trillion after widespread war damage - reportGaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstructionEU, UN say Gaza recovery needs $71.4 billion after two years of warGaza reconstruction to cost $71.4 billion over a decade: UNThe Defense Post

The assessment emphasizes that recovery efforts must be Palestinian-led and aligned with governance reforms involving the Palestinian Authority. It outlines several critical conditions for successful recovery, including a sustained ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the free movement of people and goods. The report stresses that without these conditions, neither recovery nor reconstruction can succeed.

Gaza reconstruction to cost US$71 billion after devastating war, UN-EU assessment findsInternational report estimates Gaza reconstruction needs at $71.4 billionThe Defense PostGaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstructionEU, UN say Gaza recovery needs $71.4 billion after two years of warTRT World

While the assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the needs in Gaza, some critics argue that the international community has historically failed to deliver on promises of support for reconstruction. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of previous aid efforts and the potential for political obstacles to hinder recovery initiatives.

Gaza needs $71.4B over next decade for recovery, reconstruction

UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric stated, “We need both the resources and the right conditions for reconstruction to take place — and we are not there yet.” The EU and UN have called for a transition from emergency relief to large-scale reconstruction, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the dire humanitarian situation.

Gaza reconstruction to cost US$71 billion after devastating war, UN-EU assessment finds

• “Recovery and reconstruction needs are estimated at around $71.4 billion,” — Joint Assessment by the EU, UN, and World Bank

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• “The scale and extent of deprivation across living conditions, livelihoods/income, food security, gender equality, and social inclusion, have pushed back human development in the Gaza Strip by 77 years,” — Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment

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• “Without such conditions, neither recovery nor reconstruction can succeed,” — Joint Statement by the EU and UN

Gaza reconstruction to cost US$71 billion after devastating war, UN-EU assessment finds

The next steps involve securing funding and ensuring the necessary humanitarian and security conditions on the ground. The international community is urged to mobilize resources quickly to facilitate the reconstruction process, which is critical for restoring stability and improving living conditions in Gaza.

Gaza reconstruction to cost US$71 billion after devastating war, UN-EU assessment finds

The report serves as a crucial framework for early recovery planning and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the extensive damage and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

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