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Reconstruction in Gaza to take decades, cost more than $40B: UN

Widespread destruction and killings caused by Israel in Gaza. [Photo: X]

The director of the Arab States Regional Bureau of the UN Development Program (UNDP) outlined the immense challenges and resources needed for the reconstruction of Gaza, estimating a cost exceeding $40 billion spread over decades.

Abdallah al Dardari, speaking to reporters, detailed UNDP’s plan for the early recovery phase in Gaza, which is anticipated to span three to five years and require an investment of $2 to 3 billion.

He emphasised the profound setbacks in human development, noting that Palestine’s human development index has regressed by 20 years, while Gaza’s conditions resemble those of the 1980s.

Al Dardari highlighted the unprecedented scale of destruction, with nearly 72% of homes destroyed and significant challenges in waste management, including the clearance of approximately 37 million tons of solid waste.

Additionally, he addressed the severe impact on the banking sector, revealing that almost all bank branches in Gaza were destroyed. Al Dardari emphasised UNDP’s ongoing efforts to prevent a collapse of the banking system amidst the widespread devastation.

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