The European Union and the United Nations on Monday published a joint report stating that human development in Gaza has suffered a staggering setback of 77 years, and that US$71.4 billion will be needed over the next decade to ensure its recovery and reconstruction.
According to the final rapid assessment of damage and needs in Gaza, conducted jointly by the EU, the UN and the World Bank, US$26.3 billion will be needed in the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure and support economic recovery.
Damage to physical infrastructure is estimated at US$35.2 billion, while economic and social losses amount to US$22.7 billion following the war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2023.
The report notes that all sectors have been devastated, including housing, health, education, commerce and agriculture.
In Gaza, at least 371,888 homes have been destroyed or damaged, more than 50% of hospitals are out of service, and almost all schools have been destroyed or damaged. The economy has contracted by 84%.
The impact on the lives of Gazans is equally devastating: more than 60% of the population has lost their homes and 1.9 million people have been displaced, often repeatedly. Women, children, people with disabilities, and those who were already vulnerable before the conflict are the hardest hit.
According to local authorities, more than two years of conflict have left more than 71,000 Palestinians dead and more than 171,000 injured, and many people are still missing under the rubble.
