UN Estimates Gaza Reconstruction, Recovery Needs to Exceed US$53bn

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations (UN), in one of its reports, estimated that the total budget required for reconstruction and recovery efforts will exceed US$53 billion, or about Rp862 trillion.

"Of these, the near-term needs in the first three years are estimated to be around $20.568 billion," said the report released by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, as quoted from Anadolu.

Highlighting the severe economic and humanitarian impact of the Israeli genocidal war in the densely populated Palestinian enclave, the report notes that Gaza’s economy is projected to shrink by as much as 83 percent by 2024, with an unemployment rate of 80 percent.

"In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, poverty is projected to have risen to 74.3% in 2024, up from 38.8% at the end of 2023," the report stated.

Guterres stressed that addressing urgent humanitarian needs is crucial. "In the immediate and short term, the scale of the humanitarian crisis will require a continued focus on delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance."

Referring to the UN's US$6.6 billion emergency humanitarian appeal announced on December 11, 2024, the report stated that US$3.6 of the total fund value is allocated to meet the most critical needs of 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza.

"These short-term needs are focused on addressing acute humanitarian needs through the delivery of emergency supplies and the provision of critical services, including protection, until local services and markets are restored," the report explained.

The report also highlights two key priorities, namely bolstering protection for civilians and ensuring safe and unhindered access to aid, especially as 1.13 million Palestinians in Gaza are displaced due to damages to residential buildings.

"(People) in makeshift shelters or tents that do not provide adequate protection," the report warned, noting that healthcare services are still very limited.

The report also reminded that at least eight children in Gaza died from hypothermia in December 2024 and early January 2025.

Guterres called for stronger international support to strengthen the Palestinian Authority's institutions and to prepare it to resume full governance in Gaza.

"Political, institutional and economic reforms will also be needed, but they must be achievable and properly financed," he said.

The UN Secretary-General also emphasized that Gaza must remain an integral part of the State of Palestine, without any reduction in territory, and have full political, economic, and administrative unity with the occupied West Bank.

Israeli attacks have killed more than 48,200 Palestinians and destroyed Gaza since it waged genocidal war in the enclave on October 7, 2023.

ANADOLU

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