By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – According to the latest Damage and Needs Assessment from the UN and partners on Tuesday the reconstruction of Gaza and the occupied West Bank will require an estimated $53.2 billion over the next 10 years.
Muhannad Hadi UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said “Palestinians will need joint action to address the immense recovery and reconstruction challenges ahead. A sustainable recovery process must restore hope, dignity, and livelihoods for the two million people in Gaza,”
The assessment estimates that $29.9 billion is required to repair physical infrastructure, while $19.1 billion is needed to address economic and social losses.
It said that housing remains the most severely affected sector, accounting for the largest share of recovery needs, with $15.2 billion or 30 percent of the total cost earmarked for rebuilding homes.
The report said that over the next three years, $20 billion will be required to stabilize essential services and lay the foundation for long-term recovery.
Mr. Hadi reaffirmed the UN’s continued support, stated “The UN stands ready to support the Palestinian people both on humanitarian assistance and a future recovery and reconstruction process.”
“Once conditions are in place, temporary shelters will be established, basic services restored, the economy kick-started, and individual and social rehabilitation begun while the longer-term recovery and reconstruction advances,” he added.
He said that a crucial element of Gaza’s recovery will be restoring the administrative authority of the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza.
“The international community must make collective efforts to support a just and lasting peace,” said Mr. Hadi.
He emphasized that Gaza is an integral part of this effort based on UN resolutions and international law, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.
Comments are closed.