A joint assessment by the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank estimated that Gaza requires $71.4 billion over the next decade to recover from more than two years of war. The final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, released on Monday, highlighted $26.3 billion needed in the first 18 months alone to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure, and support economic recovery.

Physical infrastructure damage totals $35.2 billion, with additional economic and social losses of $22.7 billion. The report detailed devastation across key sectors. More than 371,888 housing units, over 50 percent of Gaza's housing stock, have been destroyed or damaged. Over half of hospitals are non-functional, nearly all schools have been hit, and commerce and agriculture have collapsed. Gaza's economy has contracted by 84 percent.

Human development in Gaza has regressed 77 years due to the conflict. More than 60 percent of the population has lost their homes, and 1.9 million people remain displaced, many multiple times. Local authorities report over 71,000 Palestinian fatalities and 171,000 injuries, with others missing under rubble.

The war began with Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Israel's military response led to widespread destruction in Gaza. A fragile ceasefire took effect around six months ago, but violations persist, including killings and blockades.

Reconstruction efforts must be Palestinian-led and support a transition to governance by the Palestinian Authority, the report stated. Success requires a sustained ceasefire, security guarantees, unimpeded humanitarian access, free movement of goods and people, debris clearance, and resolution of property rights. The assessment called on the international community to mobilize resources in a coordinated manner.

This estimate surpasses earlier projections, such as $53 billion in February 2025 and around $70 billion late last year. No specific funding pledges accompanied the report, though past reconstruction in Gaza has relied on international donors.