After the devastating war that lasted until 2025, Gaza is living a catastrophic humanitarian reality, with the war having left massive destruction to vital buildings and infrastructure. About 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced, making reconstruction a huge task that could take decades. The losses were not limited to physical destruction, but extended to tens of thousands of dead and wounded, unemployment rates rose to about 80%, and the sector fell into poverty, hunger and disease. These conditions require an unprecedented coordinated international effort to rebuild life in Gaza.
Mass destruction and deepening humanitarian crisis in post-war Gaza
The recent war has led to an unprecedented level of destruction in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and international aid organizations estimate that more than 80 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed, including homes, hospitals and schools. This destruction includes not only residential buildings and public utilities, but also vast amounts of rubble that need to be removed, which may contain human remains and unexploded devices, posing a significant risk to returnees.
1. Dimensions of the humanitarian crisis
The challenges go beyond the physical to include a deep humanitarian crisis. Gazans are suffering catastrophic levels of hunger, with 2.1 million facing severe hunger, and there are real fears of famine. Malnutrition rates among children have risen dramatically, and tens of thousands of children under five are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition. The health and education system has been destroyed or severely damaged, with nearly 90% of health facilities damaged, and schools turned into shelters or completely destroyed, resulting in the suspension of formal education for more than 658,000 students.
2. Restrictions on aid and human suffering
The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by restrictions on aid access, hampering relief efforts and making the situation unbearable. Organizations such as the Red Cross and UNICEF warn of "unimaginable suffering" and call for an immediate halt to the escalation and facilitation of aid access. The following video highlights the dire humanitarian situation and the urgent need for aid in Gaza.
Read more about Emergency Humanitarian Aid for Gaza
The Cost of Reconstruction and Funding in Gaza After the War
Rebuilding Gaza will require billions of dollars of investment. Preliminary estimates of the cost required for reconstruction range from $40 billion to $70 billion. These figures reflect the scale of the devastation and the need for a long-term program covering housing, health, water, electricity, and basic infrastructure.
Read more about Reconstruction in Gaza: Challenges and Opportunities
International cost estimates: The UN has indicated that rebuilding Gaza will require about $70 billion to make it safe and stable. Other estimates from the World Bank and Egypt gave figures of at least $53 billion. These estimates highlight that it is not just about repairing what has been destroyed, but rebuilding the sector in a sustainable way that can withstand future conditions and serve its residents.
Economic and social recovery
In addition to the physical destruction and humanitarian crisis, Gaza faces enormous challenges in economic and social recovery. With high unemployment and poverty rates, comprehensive programs are urgently needed to create jobs and support communities.
Economic Recovery Plans: Economic recovery plans include emergency employment programs, grants for small and medium enterprises, and skills development and vocational training. The aim is to revitalize the local economy and provide livelihoods for the population severely affected by the war. However, the success of these plans depends largely on lifting the blockade and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
