Rebuilding Gaza to Cost $71 Billion, Must Include Palestinians, Report Finds

A joint report by Oxfam, the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), and the Palestine Trade Centre (PalTrade) has provided a stark assessment of the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza after years of devastating war. The estimated cost of reconstruction stands at $71.4 billion over a 10-year period, more than seven times higher than the combined cost of all past offensives in Gaza over the last two decades.

The numbers are staggering, but it’s essential to contextualize them within the scale of destruction and human toll. The war has left an estimated 1.9 million Palestinians displaced, with at least 73,000 killed and 173,000 injured. Human development has been set back by 77 years, according to the report.

The report emphasizes that rebuilding Gaza cannot move forward without direct Palestinian involvement. Misyef Jamil, senior researcher at MAS, notes: “Reconstruction is not only a humanitarian task; it’s a political one.” This sentiment highlights the need for a people-centric approach, where Palestinians are not just recipients of aid but active participants in shaping their future.

The sheer scale of destruction is overwhelming. An estimated 371,888 housing units have been destroyed or damaged, leaving entire neighborhoods impassable. The rubble poses serious health and safety risks, including unexploded bombs and shells, hazardous materials like asbestos, and the risk of sewage, medical waste, and industrial chemicals contaminating the environment.

Clearing the rubble will require substantial funding, specialized equipment, and international support. The report outlines a five-year plan for rebuilding Gaza, divided into four phases: emergency relief and stabilization, early recovery and service restoration, medium-term reconstruction, and long-term development. Each phase comes with its own set of challenges and requires significant investment.

International agencies such as the EU, Gulf Arab states, Egypt, the UN, and others are committed to supporting the reconstruction efforts. However, it’s essential to recognize that this is not a charity-driven endeavor but a political imperative. The report’s emphasis on Palestinian involvement highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to rebuilding Gaza, one that prioritizes self-determination and sustainable development.

The international community must acknowledge that military occupation has far-reaching consequences and that reconstruction efforts must be grounded in a genuine commitment to Palestinian rights. Rebuilding Gaza is not just about providing aid but creating a platform for long-term development, economic growth, and human security.

Past experiences have shown us that military force only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. The Gaza wars of 2008, 2012, and 2014 demonstrate that prioritizing short-term gains leads to devastating consequences. Instead, we must focus on building a sustainable future for Gaza.

Rebuilding Gaza is not just about numbers; it’s about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of its people. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the Palestinian crisis. As we move forward with the reconstruction process, it’s crucial to learn from past mistakes and commit to justice, human rights, and sustainable development.

The true cost of war far exceeds any price tag. The real challenge lies not in rebuilding Gaza but in acknowledging our complicity in its suffering and committing to a more just and equitable future for all.