The Daunting Task of Rebuilding Gaza After Conflict

Mon Oct 20 2025 18:32:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Gaza faces a monumental challenge as it attempts to recover from extensive damage caused by recent conflicts, with rebuilding efforts projected to cost around $70 billion.

As families return to Gaza, they confront the harsh reality of widespread destruction. With 84% of the region damaged and estimates suggesting over 60 million tonnes of debris, rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and essential services will require massive resources and strategic planning. UN officials emphasize the urgent need for rebuilding efforts amidst a pressing humanitarian crisis.

As thousands of Gazans made the journey back to their neighborhoods following a recent ceasefire, the devastation awaiting them was heartbreaking. Many returned to find their homes and communities in ruins.

The UN estimates the cost of rebuilding the bombed territories will be staggering, around $70 billion, while experts like Professor Andreas Krieg from King's College London claim, It's worse than starting from scratch - here you aren't starting in the sand; you are starting with rubble. This devastation is especially apparent in Gaza City, where damage levels have reached up to 92%.

Assessments suggest there could be over 60 million tonnes of debris, including dangerous remnants such as unexploded bombs. The immediate need, as indicated by industry experts, is to clear this debris to make sites safe for peace-time recovery.

With basic necessities like clean water and sanitation facilities significantly impaired, the humanitarian crisis intensifies. Unicef has reported that over 70% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure has sustained damage since October 2023. Restore such immense infrastructure—combined with the need for electricity, housing, and agricultural recovery—demands comprehensive planning and international support.

Additionally, the war's impact on Gaza’s agricultural sector has been severe, with reports indicating almost all crop production has been affected. Urgent action is needed to start clearing land for future crop rotation, vital for food security.

The path to rebuilding Gaza is complex, hindered by not only the scale of destruction but also by political and logistical challenges concerning the entry of reconstruction materials. Without effective strategies and financial backing, recovery efforts could drag on for years, leaving a community that once thrived in this conflict-affected region struggling for survival.