The Staggering Cost of Rebuilding Gaza: A Human Perspective
The Gaza Strip, a small Palestinian territory bordering Israel and Egypt, has endured repeated conflicts, leaving its infrastructure and its people devastated. A recent assessment by the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank paints a stark picture of the immense challenge of rebuilding. The price tag? A staggering $53.2 billion over the next decade, with $20 billion needed in just the first three years. This figure, while immense, underscores the urgent need for international support and a long-term commitment to rebuilding lives and livelihoods.
This assessment echoes a report commissioned by the UN General Assembly, where Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the need for substantial funding for short, medium, and long-term recovery. The report estimates a total of $53.142 billion is required, with $20.568 billion needed for immediate relief and initial reconstruction efforts. These figures, while aligned with the joint assessment, are dwarfed by a study from the RAND Corporation, a US-based think tank, which projects the total cost could exceed $80 billion, with over $700 million just to clear the rubble. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of accurately assessing the full extent of the damage and the long-term costs associated with rebuilding in a conflict zone.
The sheer scale of destruction is difficult to comprehend. Imagine a place where nearly 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. According to UNOSAT (United Nations Institute for Training and Research Operational Satellite
