Study: $71.4 billion needed for Gaza's post-war reconstruction; 60% of residents homeless

A recent study indicates that Gaza is expected to require 71.4 billion US dollars for post-war reconstruction over the next ten years.

A joint report released by the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank on Monday (April 20) stated that approximately 26.3 billion US dollars of the funds need to be made available within the first 18 months for the restoration of basic public services and the construction of key infrastructure.

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ceasefire agreement reached by both sides has been in effect for six months.

Although US President Trump publicly announced the signing of this ceasefire agreement in October last year, the agreement never entered the second stage, which involved Hamas disarming, establishing a new governance structure and initiating reconstruction efforts. The focus of international attention has now shifted to the Iran war that broke out on February 28th.

The situation in the Gaza Strip remains grave, with most residents lacking proper housing, basic services, as well as sufficient food and medicine. The International Rescue Committee warns that this complex crisis is "gradually fading from global attention".

The report estimates that 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced, accounting for over 80% of the pre-war total population, and more than 60% of them have lost their homes.

The report's author calls for the promotion of reconstruction efforts simultaneously with the distribution of humanitarian aid, and emphasizes that rescue and reconstruction should be in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803. This resolution states that the reconstruction process should be led by Palestinians and should be transparent and accountable.

The International Rescue Committee said that many displaced residents of Gaza are forced to live in makeshift tents, and about 77% of the population is at risk of acute food insecurity. Approximately 94% of the hospitals have been destroyed or damaged, and about half of the essential medicines are said to have run out.

The Gaza health department stated that since the ceasefire agreement came into effect, 777 Palestinians have died in Israeli air strikes, raising the total death toll since the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict to over 72,000.