Politics

Gaza’s reconstruction requires over $53 billion, says UN

Wednesday 12 February 2025 - 15:38

The United Nations has estimated that Gaza will need more than $53 billion to recover from the ongoing war with Israel, which has also impacted other Palestinian territories. According to a report released on Tuesday, at least $20 billion will be required within the first three years of reconstruction.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation in Gaza as a "humanitarian catastrophe." The report stressed that rebuilding efforts cannot proceed without a stable political and security framework, emphasizing the need to end Israel’s occupation and make progress toward a two-state solution.

The destruction in Gaza has been extensive, with schools, hospitals, and homes largely reduced to rubble due to continuous Israeli military strikes, despite a fragile ceasefire. The UN estimates that:

$15.2 billion will be needed for rebuilding homes.
$6.9 billion will be required for commerce and industry.
$6.9 billion must be allocated for the health sector.
$4.2 billion is necessary to revive agriculture.
$2.9 billion will be used to repair transportation networks.
$2.7 billion is needed for water and sanitation.
$2.6 billion must be invested in education.

Additionally, clearing environmental hazards, including unexploded ordnance and toxic debris, will require $1.9 billion. The report noted that over 60% of Gaza’s homes have been destroyed, leaving behind more than 50 million tons of debris that contain dangerous materials.

Guterres emphasized that the Palestinian Authority should take the lead in reconstruction. The UN General Assembly had previously called for an immediate ceasefire and ordered a comprehensive damage assessment to be completed within two months, which was finalized on January 30.

The report was released just days before the US President Donald Trump proposed an internationally condemned plan to "take over" Gaza, clear the rubble, and redevelop it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." His idea faced widespread criticism from global leaders, including those in the Arab world and the Palestinian community.

During a oint press conference at the White House, Jordan’s King Abdullah was asked whether Arab nations had agreed to Trump’s plan. He pointed to an alternative initiative from Egypt and other Arab countries, stating that discussions were ongoing.

An Arab official, speaking anonymously to CNN, stated that the US has not fully developed Trump’s plan. In contrast to Trump’s controversial proposal, Arab leaders insist that any future vision for Gaza must preserve Palestinian sovereignty and prevent forced displacement.