The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works and Housing revealed that, because of the extensive destruction caused by the war in the Gaza Strip, it needs a budget of more than 70 billion dollars for the reconstruction process.
Ahed Bseiso, Minister of Public Works and Housing, stated at a press conference that, according to the joint assessment they conducted with the World Bank and the European Union, estimates indicate reconstruction costs of 71.4 billion dollars, of which the housing sector's share alone is 18 billion dollars.
The ministry's statistics show that nearly 372,000 housing units were destroyed as a result of the attacks, while the United Nations has raised its estimates to a more alarming level, stating that 81% of all buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged, of which 123,000 buildings have been completely destroyed.
According to the data, the situation is not limited to the destruction of buildings; nearly 68 million tons of debris from destroyed buildings have accumulated in the area, and removing it is considered a major challenge that may take nearly 20 years. At the same time, 75% of agricultural fields have also become unusable.
Regarding the ministry's efforts, Bseiso stressed that they are in the initial phase of reconstruction, through assessing the risks of buildings, clearing rubble, and providing temporary accommodation for families who have been deprived of housing.
It is worth noting that this parallel financial and construction crisis is occurring alongside a major humanitarian catastrophe; according to statistics, the number of victims has reached 74,000 people, most of them women and children, with 175,000 others injured, while the World Health Organization continues to warn of the lack of medicines and medical supplies in the Gaza Strip.
