Gaza Reconstruction: UN Official Urges Immediate Action Amid “Inhumane” Conditions
By Olivia Bennett – World-Today-Journal.com
Gaza is facing a reconstruction crisis of unprecedented scale following years of conflict, with an estimated $52 billion required to rebuild the devastated territory, according to a recent assessment by the World Bank, the United Nations, and the European Commission. This urgent need for assistance comes as a U.S.-backed cease-fire enters its second phase, offering a crucial window of possibility to begin recovery efforts.
Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the U.N. Office for Project Services (UNOPS), recently returned from a visit to the Gaza Strip, describing the level of destruction as “total.” “I wouldn’t have imagined what I saw today, not much is standing,” he stated, emphasizing the dire situation facing the Palestinian population. Da Silva underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “We can’t wait, we can’t procrastinate,” as Gazans are currently living in “inhumane” conditions.
The recent conflict, which began following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has inflicted widespread damage on vital infrastructure, including residential areas, hospitals, and schools. Approximately 2.2 million residents in gaza, already vulnerable due to previous conflicts and a long-standing Israeli blockade imposed since 2007, have been displaced and are struggling to survive in makeshift shelters.Tragically, over 71,000 Palestinians have been killed, with over 171,000 injured, the vast majority being women and children.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, the sheer volume of debris presents a significant obstacle to reconstruction. Da Silva revealed that approximately 60 million tons of rubble now blanket the Gaza Strip, posing hazardous challenges. “Gaza is flooded by rubble and debris,” he stated, adding that the rubble contains hazardous materials, including unexploded ordnance, dangerous waste, and potentially human remains.
While the $52 billion estimate represents the long-term reconstruction costs, Da Silva stressed the importance of initiating “early recovery” measures that require millions of dollars immediately.Key priorities include securing a reliable fuel supply for electricity generation, demining efforts, repairing water networks, and lifting restrictions on the entry of essential aid and spare parts – issues humanitarian organizations have repeatedly highlighted.
The launch of phase two of the Gaza truce plan is considered a “ancient” moment, paving the way for both reconstruction and the demilitarization of factions within the territory, as announced by U.S. middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. however, swift and sustained international cooperation will be critical to translate this opportunity into tangible improvements for the people of Gaza. Failure to act decisively will prolong the suffering and impede the path towards a sustainable and equitable future for the region.
Keywords: Gaza, Reconstruction, humanitarian Aid, Ceasefire, United Nations, World Bank, Middle East, Conflict, Humanitarian Crisis, Gaza Reconstruction, Gaza War, palestine, Israel.
