Gaza is not ready for rebuilding, UN says

The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 48,200 people, according to local health officials, and left the enclave covered in debris. But, Gaza is unable to undergo its rebuilding process with the lack of security, governance and curtailment of movement in the enclave, the UN, World Bank and EU have said in an assessment, The National reported on February 19th.

Released on February 18th, the Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment said that $53.2 billion is required for the recovery and rebuilding of the enclave for the next decade. The researchers confirmed that Israel’s attacks caused physical damage worth $49 billion as well as economic and social deficiencies.

“Clear governance structures and co-ordination mechanisms are essential for managing the complexities of recovery in Gaza,” the report said. “Recovery and reconstruction must go hand-in-hand with broader reforms in governance, regulations, and regimes that facilitate longer-term sustainable development.”

Significant rebuilding lies ahead for Gaza, such as clearing ordinance that has not exploded as well as tonnes of rubble. Over 290,000 homes have been completely or partially destroyed and 95% of hospitals were non-functional, the report said.

To enhance trust amongst the population, systemic, regulatory and governmental reforms are vital, the report added, noting that: “Palestinian ownership and leadership of recovery and reconstruction efforts is critical, particularly with a view to enhance sustainability of recovery gains.”

“The loss of life, widespread destruction, and the speed of damage to infrastructure have reached levels that rank among the worst in both the Middle East and North Africa region’s history,” the assessment said. “The consequences of this are expected to exert a prolonged and substantial burden on economic activities for several years ahead.”

The National, World Bank