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UNCTAD Warns Gaza Faces Record Economic Collapse, Needs $71.5B

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

UNCTAD Warns Gaza

UNCTAD warned the Gaza Strip faces the most severe economic crisis ever recorded.
UNCTAD estimated $71.5 billion is required for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
Since October 2023, 92 % of Gaza’s economic establishments have been damaged or destroyed.
In 2025 more than 90 % of Gaza’s working-age population were unemployed.
Coordinator Moatasim Al-Akrawi warned private-bank borrowing could spark a broader economic crisis.

Summary

Israel Declares Ceasefire

Israel's military offensive killed more than 73,000 people, according to Gaza's health ministry.
By late 2025, the conflict displaced virtually the entire two-million-person population.
A fragile ceasefire was announced in October 2025 after two years of fighting.
The war began with Hamas militants' October 7, 2023 onslaught that triggered Israel's response.
UNCTAD warned in Geneva that political, social and humanitarian consequences will be immense across the Palestinian territories.

History

Historical Context

The 2008-2009 Gaza War, launched by Israel on 27 December 2008 and ending 18 January 2009, razed over 46,000 homes and 2,692 buildings and crippled 219 factories, prompting the UN to label the aftermath a “human-dignity crisis.” The 2025 Israeli offensive against Hamas repeats that devastation, leading UNCTAD and the World Bank to demand billions for reconstruction.

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UNCTAD Warns Gaza

UNCTAD warned the Gaza Strip faces the most severe economic crisis ever recorded.
UNCTAD estimated $71.5 billion is required for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.
Since October 2023, 92 % of Gaza’s economic establishments have been damaged or destroyed.
In 2025 more than 90 % of Gaza’s working-age population were unemployed.
Coordinator Moatasim Al-Akrawi warned private-bank borrowing could spark a broader economic crisis.

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