Source: UN News: Thursday, 23 April 2026 00:01 AM
The violent confrontation between Israeli military forces and Hamas in Gaza has led to widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. The war has set back human development in Gaza by 77 years and nearly $71 billion will be needed to meet recovery and reconstruction needs over the next decade, the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank have warned in a new assessment. The UN and partner organizations released their assessment on Monday, based on a review of the damage and needs caused during the 24-month conflict in Gaza. According to this, the total cost of damage caused to physical infrastructure in the violent conflict has been estimated at $ 35.2 billion, while economic and social losses have been caused at more than $ 22 billion. Tweet URL
It shows that in the first 18 months, $26.3 billion will be needed to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure and support economic activity. The war has caused massive loss of life and property, with more than 3.71 lakh houses destroyed or damaged, more than 50 per cent of hospitals unable to provide health care services and almost all schools affected. Gaza’s economy has shrunk by 84 percent. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other extremist groups carried out terrorist attacks on Israel, after which Israeli security forces launched a large-scale military action. According to this assessment published on Monday, more than 1.9 million people were displaced, many of whom were Palestinians, who suffered repeated displacements. More than 60 percent people have lost their homes. The local administration in Gaza said that more than 71 thousand Palestinians died and 1.71 lakh were injured in the violence. Many are still feared buried under the debris of buildings. The report estimates that the war has set back human development in Gaza by 77 years, and women, children and other vulnerable groups are bearing the brunt of it. Mandatory conditions The assessment states that adherence to the ceasefire and adequate security arrangements in Gaza are the minimum conditions for a reconstruction and recovery process. The delivery of aid, the movement of people, goods and materials needed for reconstruction, and the restoration of essential services are also critical. Given the enormous needs, the assessment says that recovery efforts must continue in parallel with humanitarian assistance, and move from emergency relief to reconstruction in a planned manner. The EU and the United Nations recommend that reconstruction and recovery efforts be Palestinian-led, take steps to support the Palestinian Authority’s governance, and promote a political solution based on a two-state solution. According to the assessment, Reconstruction planning and its implementation must be inclusive, transparent and accountable, with particular attention to the needs of women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.