According to a UN analysis released on Tuesday, the Gaza Strip would require more than $53 billion in recovery and reconstruction, with short-term requirements in the first three years coming to $20.568 billion.
“The analysis projects that the Gaza Strip will require $53.142 billion in short-, medium-, and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ report, the short-term requirements for the first three years are projected to be approximately $20.568 billion.
The research emphasized the severe humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict, pointing out that unemployment is expected to reach 80% and Gaza’s economy is expected to contract by 83% by 2024.
Poverty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is expected to have increased from 38.8% in the beginning to 74.3% in 2024.
“In the immediate and short term, the scale of the humanitarian crisis will require a continued focus on delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance,” Guterres emphasized, emphasizing the importance of meeting urgent humanitarian needs.
According to the study, $3.6 billion of the $6.6 billion humanitarian flash appeal that the UN made on December 11, 2024, will be used to meet the most pressing needs of the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza.
“These short-term needs are focused on addressing acute humanitarian needs through the delivery of emergency supplies and the provision of critical services, including protection, until local services and markets are restored,” stated the statement.
The report underlined that maintaining safe and unimpeded access to aid and ensuring improved civilian protection were the two main issues that remained.
It warned that health care services are still woefully inadequate and stated, “Around 1.13 million people are in makeshift shelters or tents that do not provide adequate protection, with a large majority of residential buildings damaged or destroyed.”
At least eight children in Gaza died from hypothermia in December and early January, according to the report.
In order to fortify the Palestinian Authority’s institutions and get it ready to regain complete control of Gaza, Guterres called for further international assistance.
“Political, institutional and economic reforms will also be needed, but they must be achievable and properly financed,” he stated.
The UN chief also emphasized the need for Gaza to maintain its status as an essential component of a Palestinian state, with no territorial concessions and complete political, economic, and administrative integration with the occupied West Bank.
