According to UN estimates, more than 53 billion dollars will be needed to restore the Gaza Strip and overcome the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, of which about 20 billion are needed already within the first three years. About this informs AFP.
The UN report emphasizes the need to create a political and security framework to begin the reconstruction process and form the basis for a political settlement aimed at ending the Israeli occupation and implementing a viable solution based on the two-state principle.
“The report estimates the short-, medium- and long-term recovery and reconstruction needs in the Gaza Strip at $53.142 billion. Of this, the short-term needs for the first three years are estimated at approximately $20.568 billion,” – said the statement of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
According to estimates, more than 60% of the housing stock has been destroyed, and it is this sector that needs the most funding – about 15.2 billion dollars. Approximately $6.9 billion is needed to restore trade and industry, and the same amount for health care. Reconstruction of agriculture will require 4.2 billion dollars, transport – 2.9 billion, water supply and sanitation systems – 2.7 billion, and education – 2.6 billion.
Separately, significant costs in the field of ecology, which are estimated at 1.9 billion dollars, are indicated. This is due to “the presence of huge debris, unexploded ordnance and high costs for debris removal.” The UN also estimates that the war generated more than 50 million tons of hazardous waste, including debris, unexploded ordnance, asbestos and human remains.
