UN: Gaza’s recovery could take 350 years due to war

A new report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that rebuilding Gaza may take 350 years to restore the level of growth seen before the ongoing war, which began in October 2023.

The report highlights the extensive damage to infrastructure and residential areas, making recovery slow and highly complex, confirming that even if the war ends soon, Gaza’s return to its previously low annual growth rate of 0.4%, recorded between 2007 and 2022, could take centuries due to the widespread destruction.

UN investigator on adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, estimated that 60-70% of homes in Gaza have been completely destroyed, with the figure rising to 82% in northern areas.

He noted that approximately 39 million tons of rubble, containing unexploded ordnance and toxic materials, must be cleared before reconstruction can begin. Ongoing military actions and restrictions on construction materials could further delay the process.