More than $71 billion will be needed over the next decade to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza following the devastating war in the territory, a new joint report has revealed.
The assessment, conducted by the United Nations and the European Union, described the impact of the conflict as catastrophic, with widespread destruction across infrastructure, housing, and essential services.
According to the Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), about $26.3 billion will be required within the first 18 months alone to restore basic services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and stabilise the local economy.
The report estimates physical infrastructure damage at $35.2 billion, while economic and social losses stand at $22.7 billion.
The war has left Gaza in ruins, with nearly 371,888 housing units either destroyed or damaged, more than half of its hospitals no longer functional, and the majority of schools affected.
It also noted that the territory’s economy has contracted by 84 percent, while about 1.9 million people have been displaced, many forced to move multiple times. Over 60 percent of the population have reportedly lost their homes.
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In addition, more than 61 million tonnes of rubble now cover large parts of the enclave, leaving many communities buried under debris.
The report further stated that key sectors such as housing, healthcare, education, commerce, and agriculture have been severely hit, setting back human development in Gaza by decades.
Both the United Nations and the European Union emphasised that reconstruction efforts should be Palestinian-led, with a focus on restoring governance and rebuilding sustainable systems for the future.