Geneva: In a recent report, the United Nations has documented the severe damage inflicted on Gaza’s infrastructure, pushing the region back by an estimated 70 years in development. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) highlight the unprecedented scale of devastation following Israel’s retaliatory attacks on Gaza after the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas on Israeli soil.
60 Percent of Gaza’s Buildings Destroyed
The UN report details that approximately 60 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been demolished in the ongoing conflict, which also decimated around 57 percent of agricultural land. The United Nations notes that an estimated $18.5 billion will be required to repair Gaza’s infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and public services critical for daily life.
Decades of Progress Lost
According to the UNDP, the impact of the conflict has effectively erased 69 years of progress, leaving Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins. Water and sanitation facilities are among the most affected, with an estimated 67 percent damaged or destroyed. Educational infrastructure has also been hit hard, with roughly 92.9 percent of school buildings sustaining damage. Health services have faced a staggering 500 attacks, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Widespread Displacement and Poverty
The humanitarian toll is immense, with an estimated 90 percent of Gaza’s population experiencing displacement. The report warns that more than 743,000 people are expected to remain displaced even after the conflict ends, creating long-term challenges in housing and public services. Poverty is also projected to increase dramatically, with the poverty rate expected to climb to 74.3 percent in 2024, affecting over 4.1 million people, including 2.6 million newly impoverished.
Economic Devastation and Rising Unemployment
The conflict’s economic toll is projected to be severe, with Palestine’s GDP anticipated to drop by 35.1 percent if the conflict continues into 2024. Unemployment rates in the region are expected to approach 50 percent, exacerbating the socioeconomic crisis.
Origins of the Conflict
The escalation began on October 7, 2023, when approximately 2,500 Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the loss of over 1,200 Israeli lives and the capture of more than 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a comprehensive military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, leading to widespread devastation. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 42,000 casualties.
The UN’s findings underscore the vast humanitarian and developmental crisis unfolding in Gaza, with the need for extensive reconstruction and international aid projected to span over a decade.
