AMMAN: A United Nations agency said on Thursday rebuilding war-wracked Gaza will cost an estimated $30 billion to $40 billion and require an effort on a scale unseen since World War II.
Abdallah al-Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General, stated that the initial estimates from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for Gaza’s reconstruction exceed $30 billion and could potentially reach up to $40 billion. “The United Nations Development Programme’s initial estimates for the reconstruction of… the Gaza Strip surpass $30 billion and could reach up to $40 billion,” said UN assistant secretary-general Abdallah al-Dardari.
Speaking at a press conference in the Jordanian capital, Amman, Dardari emphasized the enormity of the destruction, describing it as “huge and unprecedented.” “It is therefore important that we act quickly to re-house people in decent housing and restore their lives to normal — economically, socially, in terms of health and education”.
According to Dardari, if Gaza’s reconstruction were to follow conventional processes, it could span decades, posing a significant challenge for the Palestinian population who cannot afford such delays. Urgency is paramount, he stressed, in rehousing people in suitable accommodations and restoring normalcy to their lives across various sectors including economics, social well-being, healthcare, and education.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dardari outlined a three-year timeline for achieving the reconstruction goals following the cessation of hostilities. He underscored the staggering amount of debris resulting from bombardment and explosions, estimating it at a staggering 37 million tonnes, with recent data indicating it could exceed 40 million tonnes.
Dardari also provided insight into the extent of the damage to residential structures, noting that 72 percent of all residential buildings in Gaza have been either completely or partially destroyed.
Dardari emphasized the necessity of meticulous planning, efficiency, and adaptability, given the uncertainties surrounding the conclusion of the conflict and the potential governance structures that may emerge in Gaza post-war.
