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More than $50 billion will be required to rebuild Gaza following Israel’s 15-month military operation, according to a joint assessment released by the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank.
The Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (IRDNA) estimates that $53.2 billion will be needed for reconstruction over the next decade, with $20 billion required in the first three years.
Israel’s invasion of Gaza has killed more than 48,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza health officials, and left the enclave in ruins.
The report warns that years of recovery efforts lie ahead, including clearing millions of tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance left behind by Israeli forces.
Despite a fragile ceasefire in place since last month, the report states that conditions remain unsuitable for large-scale reconstruction due to uncertainty over Gaza’s governance and security arrangements post-war.
“The speed, scale, and scope of recovery will be shaped by these conditions,” the report cautioned.
According to the IRDNA, over 292,000 homes have been either destroyed or severely damaged by Israeli actions, and 95% of hospitals are non-functional. The conflict has also devastated Gaza’s economy, causing an 83% contraction.
Of the estimated $53.2 billion, $29.9 billion would be required to repair infrastructure, with housing alone accounting for around $15.2 billion.
A further $19.1 billion would be needed to restore social and economic sectors, including healthcare, education, and industry, which have been heavily impacted by Israeli actions across the enclave.
