2024-05-05 05:52:08
Rebuilding the Gaza Strip could take until the next century if the pace of reconstruction remains at the same level as previous conflicts, according to the latest UN report released today.
The UN spokesman expressed concern, describing Gaza’s current appearance as a “lunar landscape”, highlighting the gravity of the situation. An estimate provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) states that it will take “about 80 years” to fully restore all destroyed housing units.
However, in a best-case scenario, assuming construction materials are supplied five times faster than during the last fighting in 2021, reconstruction may not be completed until 2040, the report emphasizes.
“Every additional day of war carries enormous and worsening costs for Gazans and all Palestinians, now, in the medium and long term. The suffering in Gaza will not end when the war ends,” it said.
According to UNDP and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) estimates, the poverty rate in the Gaza Strip continues to increase, reaching 58.4%. Assuming the war lasts nine months, the poverty rate is projected to rise to 60.7%, posing a serious threat to the lives and well-being of the local population.
Earlier, Cursor wrote that Israel is actively discussing possible strategies for managing the Gaza Strip after the completion of a full-scale military operation, and two main options are in the spotlight. Under one plan, Majed Faraj, the Palestinian Authority’s intelligence chief, could take charge of the armed groups and civilian administrators.