The devastating impact of the Israel-Hamas war has set Gaza’s development back by six decades, according to the United Nations. Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, emphasized the immense challenges ahead, as the conflict has left an overwhelming majority of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins.
Approximately 65–70% of Gaza’s buildings have been either completely destroyed or significantly damaged. The UN estimates that 42 million tonnes of rubble need to be cleared—a dangerous and intricate task due to unexploded ordnance and potential hazards hidden within the debris.
Steiner explained that this destruction extends beyond buildings to critical infrastructure such as sewage systems, freshwater supply, and waste management. “Human desperation cannot be captured in statistics,” Steiner said, underscoring the human toll of the conflict.
Beyond the physical destruction, Gaza’s economy has been decimated. Businesses, savings, and investments have been wiped out, leaving the region in dire need of reconstruction on multiple levels—physical, economic, and psychosocial.
Steiner highlighted that rebuilding will require “tens of billions of dollars” and years of effort. Mobilizing such funds presents an enormous challenge, especially given the fragile nature of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Clearing the rubble will be a monumental undertaking. Steiner suggested recycling as a possible solution, where materials from the debris can be repurposed for reconstruction. Temporary infrastructure will also be essential, especially for schools and hospitals, as nearly all of them have been damaged or destroyed.
“If the ceasefire endures, vast amounts of temporary infrastructure will be needed to support the population while rebuilding begins,” he noted.
AFP