Billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild the Gaza Strip after the prolonged conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, News.bg reports.
The military action that began on October 7, 2023, ended with a ceasefire, but the widespread destruction in the region has led to a severe humanitarian crisis and significant economic impact.
The destruction in numbers
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Human losses:
- Israel reports 1,200 dead in Hamas attack.
- The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 46,000 casualties from Israeli strikes.
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justify;">Infrastructure and Debris:
- Over 50 million tons of debris require clearance, a process that will take an estimated 21 years and cost $1.2 billion.
- Two-thirds of buildings are severely damaged or completely destroyed.
- More than 1.8 million people are left homeless.
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Economic Damage:
- Infrastructure damage is estimated at $18.5 billion, including:
- Damage to residential and public buildings.
- Loss of 68% of roads and only 25% of water supply restored.
- Agriculture severely affected, with 95% of cattle destroyed and significant loss of sheep.
- Infrastructure damage is estimated at $18.5 billion, including:
Humanitarian crisis
- Impact on the public sector:
- Over 200 government buildings, 136 educational institutions, 823 mosques and three churches.
- Of the 36 hospitals in the region, only 17 are partially functional.
- UN for reconstruction:
- Gaza's development has been set back 70 years, requiring urgent international support to alleviate the crisis and rebuild infrastructure.
The conflict has resulted in heavy human and material losses that will require decades to recover. International cooperation will be key to securing Gaza's future and minimizing humanitarian suffering in the region.