According to a recent report by the Associated Press, citing a UN document, housing reconstruction in the Gaza Strip might continue until 2040 if the current conflict between Israel and Hamas concludes immediately.
“If the war in Gaza were to end today, the UN estimates that if the war in Gaza were to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes destroyed during nearly seven months of Israeli strikes and ground operations in the area,” the statement read.
Extensive Damage and Long Recovery
The report notes that about 370,000 residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged since the conflict intensified, with 79,000 completely destroyed.
Historically, reconstruction has been slow, with only 992 housing units rebuilt annually after previous conflicts.
Even with a significant increase in the allowance of construction materials—up to five times the amount previously permitted—it would still take 16 years to restore all affected structures.
The conflict has not only led to a substantial loss of life but has also exacerbated poverty among Palestinians in Gaza.
The poverty rate has surged to 58.4%, affecting nearly 1.74 million people.
"The unprecedented level of loss of life, destruction of resources, and sharp rise in poverty in such a short period will precipitate a severe development crisis that endangers the future of the coming generations," stated UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
Ongoing Conflict
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the conflict continuing since Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages.
Israel's military response has targeted Hamas in Gaza.
According to Palestinian health services, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 34,000, including both civilian and combatant casualties.
