Reconstruction in Gaza is one of the biggest challenges in recent history, with the conflict causing more destruction than expected. Not only residential buildings, but critical infrastructure such as educational and health institutions, road networks, water and electricity. Preliminary estimates show that damage to infrastructure exceeded $18.5 billion as of early 2024, with about two-thirds of the sector’s buildings destroyed. This massive destruction has displaced more than 1.9 million people, placing enormous pressure on limited resources and the ability to provide temporary as well as permanent shelter.
The main challenges facing Gaza reconstruction projects
The reconstruction of Gaza faces a complex set of challenges far beyond the provision of finance and construction materials. These challenges are rooted in the political, security and humanitarian situation in the sector.
1. Removal of rubble and unexploded ordnance
Getting rid of more than 50 million tonnes of debris is a huge logistical challenge, with the UN estimating that this process alone could take up to 21 years at a cost of over $1 billion. What’s worse is clearing the ground of unexploded ordnance, a process that could take another 14 years and pose a deadly threat to workers and civilians. Effective reconstruction cannot begin before these two crucial tasks, which significantly increase the complexity and duration of reconstruction, are completed.
2. Siege and control of crossings
Israeli control of the crossings and control of the entry of essential building materials is a major obstacle. Past experience has shown that the blockade has disrupted reconstruction efforts after previous conflicts, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless for years. Lifting the blockade and facilitating the movement of goods and labor is a prerequisite for any successful and sustainable reconstruction policy.
3. Mass displacement and the urgent need for shelter
More than 1.9 million displaced people face extremely difficult humanitarian conditions, needing emergency shelter with minimal dignity and protection. Tents and temporary shelters do not provide adequate protection from extreme weather conditions, and the spread of disease is exacerbated by the lack of basic water and sanitation services. Meeting this urgent need requires integrated infrastructure and supplies even before actual reconstruction begins.
Read more about Buildings in Gaza
Reconstruction Opportunities in Gaza
1. International and regional support for reconstruction
There are international and Arab plans and initiatives to support reconstruction, such as the $53 billion Arab plan and European support from countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Britain. These initiatives open up avenues for funding and the provision of technical expertise, and allow for the creation of a joint UN-World Bank-donor "reconstruction governance mechanism", which could create precise governance of reconstruction funds.
2. Sustainable economic development
Reconstruction can be a catalyst for economic development. Potential opportunities include recycling aggregates, developing value chains for construction materials, supporting light industries such as food, and creating jobs in outsourcing and digital services. These efforts can create a parallel economy that reduces dependence on foreign aid and provides sustainable sources of income for the population.
3. Regional integration: linking Gaza to its economic neighborhood
Some ideas focus on connecting Gaza to its regional neighborhood through energy, ports, and communications projects. This kind of integration can expand jobs, reduce aid dependency, and make Gaza an integral part of the regional economy. This requires international security guarantees, but represents a strategic exit for the sector from relief to development.
4. Improving the living conditions and dignity of the population
The reconstruction plan provides a unique opportunity to improve the catastrophic living conditions Palestinians face. This includes rebuilding the health sector, providing clean water, sanitation, and education. Investing in these key sectors not only rebuilds infrastructure but also strengthens people’s resilience and dignity, and provides them with a normal life in dignity and security.
Read more about the impact of the bombing on the environment in Gaza
Socio-economic impact for the reconstruction of Gaza
1. Temporary drivers:
Infrastructure projects provide fast jobs and cash flows to families, helping to clear debris faster while preserving income. These mechanisms are expertly supported in other emergency contexts and recommended by international institutions.
2. Supporting SMEs and reviving local supply chains:
Providing soft loans and technical training programs to accelerate the recovery of local business activity.
3. Social protection and psychological services:
Provide psychological and social support to displaced and vulnerable people, and ensure food and health security during and after the implementation of projects.
Reconstruction is not limited to walls and ceilings, but goes beyond building strong civil and service institutions and, most importantly, overcoming the collective trauma experienced by the population, which requires extensive psychological and social efforts. The reconstruction of Gaza is a huge and difficult task, given the magnitude of the destruction, the difficulty of clearing rubble and mines, the mass displacement, the fragility of the political situation, the huge levels of funding required, the security constraints and the continued blockade. The UN shows that total reconstruction could take between 16 and 80 years, and over a century if the blockade continues.
