UN estimates $12 billion needed to rebuild Gaza

NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) indicated that the extensive damage to building and infrastructure in Gaza as a result of Israeli military actions could require up to 21 years and around $12 billion to fully clear.

The ongoing siege of the enclave that began in October 2023 completely decimated the entire region. The open air prison has been repeatedly struck by Israeli strikes, killing over 47,000 people, including 15,000 children.

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UN assessments reveal that around 50 million tonnes of rubble have accumulated in Gaza, complicating recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The humanitarian crisis is critical, with 1.9 million Palestinian displaced and a severe food crisis haunting the enclave due to Israel’s blockade.

The Gaza siege is noted as the deadliest for Palestinians in the history of Israel-Gaza conflict. Israel launched invasion of Gaza with aim of destroying Hamas. It also launched several strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon that left several thousand dead in Lebanon, as well.

The destruction of Gaza has been extensive, with entire neighbourhoods obliterated. The occupying forces even destroyed the last functioning medical centres in the enclave, with schools and water treatment plants utterly destroyed.

The environmental cost of rebuilding is projected to exceed the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 135 countries.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently examining a case of genocide against Israel, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for the leaders from Hamas and Israeli factions.

Amnesty International in its report declared Israel atrocities in Gaza as amounting to genocide, a charge the occupying force vehemently denied.

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Days after Gaza ceasefire was finally agreed on, Israel invaded the occupied-West Bank.