Gaza Residents Urge Immediate Start to Reconstruction as $70bn Price Tag Emerges
As a fragile ceasefire holds, displaced Palestinians call for the restoration of basic services while a UN-led assessment reveals the staggering cost of rebuilding.
GAZA – With a temporary truce in effect, residents of Gaza are calling on the international community to immediately begin rebuilding the devastated territory, where essential infrastructure has been largely destroyed.
The appeal comes as a new United Nations-led assessment revealed the monumental scale of the task ahead, estimating that a staggering $70 billion will be required to reconstruct the Gaza Strip.
Jaco Cilliers, a UN Development Programme representative, broke down the timeline, stating that $20 billion is needed within the next three years alone, with the remaining funds required over a period that could span decades.
For displaced Palestinians like Mohamad Abu Hajras from Khan Younis, the need is urgent and personal. He expressed hope that the ceasefire would quickly translate into action on the ground.
“There is no infrastructure, electricity, water, or anything that is fit for life,” Abu Hajras said, echoing the sentiments of many across Gaza who are now facing the immense challenge of rebuilding their lives amidst the ruins.
Source: On-the-ground reporting / United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
