UN Estimates Gaza Reconstruction at Billions; Officials Urge Aid

The UN estimates that the reconstruction of Gaza, devastated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas, will cost tens of billions of dollars, with over $20 billion needed in the initial three years. This figure was disclosed in a report by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. In a decision made in January/December 2024, the UN General Assembly is calling for a sustained and unimpeded flow of aid into Gaza. The Secretary-General of the UN has been requested to present options for enhancing aid delivery to the region. The report, released on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, indicates that a full assessment of needs in Gaza is not currently feasible. However, it suggests that expedited delivery could alleviate some of the most pressing needs, particularly in shelter and reconstruction. The report also notes that over 60% of housing units have been damaged since October 2023, and approximately 30% of reconstruction needs, amounting to $15.2 billion, will be for housing. Other significant needs include commerce and industry ($6.9 billion), health ($6.9 billion), agriculture ($4.2 billion), social protection ($4.2 billion), transport ($2.9 billion), water and sanitation ($2.7 billion), and education ($2.6 billion). The report highlights that anticipated higher reconstruction costs for the enclave (estimated at $1.9 billion) are due to the extensive clearance of unexploded ordnance and the high cost of importing construction materials related to isolation. The UN estimates that the removal of over 50 million tons of rubble, including unexploded ordnance, will require significant resources and a different approach. Guterres emphasized that any effort for reconstruction must be politically and security-wise viable, considering Gaza as an integral part of a future, viable, democratic, and sovereign Palestinian state. He also stressed that the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, rejects laws related to financial aid to families of prisoners, martyrs and wounded. The Authority also rejects the arrival of funds through channels and systems related to financial aid to families of prisoners, martyrs and wounded, and insists on transferring aid programs through the Palestinian National Fund for Economic Empowerment.