Israel’s yearlong offensive against Hamas has caused significant destruction in the Gaza Strip, leading to the death of tens of thousands of Palestinians and leaving a trail of devastation that could take decades to rebuild. The offensive was launched in response to the militant group’s attack into Israel on October 7.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are now living in squalid tent camps, with no homes to return to even in the event of a ceasefire. The rubble, contaminated with hazardous materials and human remains, poses a massive challenge in terms of cleanup efforts that could span years.
The blame for the destruction is placed on Hamas, as the group embedded much of its military infrastructure, including extensive tunnel networks, in densely populated areas. A quarter of all structures in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged, according to a U.N. assessment based on satellite imagery.
The devastating impact of the conflict is evident in the staggering figures. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 96,000 wounded, with women and children accounting for over half of the casualties. The U.N. estimates that around 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million people have been displaced, struggling to find refuge in shelters and tent camps.
The war has not only taken a heavy toll on human lives but has also decimated Gaza’s critical infrastructure. The U.N. reports that over 92% of main roads and 84% of health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Water and sanitation plants have been hit hard, with nearly 70% of them suffering damage.
Rebuilding efforts are expected to be monumental, with the World Bank estimating $18.5 billion in damage from the initial three months of the conflict alone. However, funding for reconstruction remains uncertain, with wealthy Arab countries linking their support to a political settlement that leads to a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on governance in Gaza further complicates the situation.
Despite the challenges ahead, international aid organizations like the Shelter Cluster are working to provide essential supplies and support to the affected population. The road to recovery for Gaza will be long and arduous, requiring sustained efforts and collaboration from all stakeholders involved.