Statement of the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi

The Assessment found that housing requires the largest share of recovery needs, with an estimated $15.2 billion, accounting for around 30% of total recovery needs. The health sector ($6.9 billion), commerce and industry ($6.9 billion), and agriculture and food systems ($4.2 billion), also require a large share of recovery needs due to their extensive damage and socioeconomic importance. The education sector requires $3.8 billion for recovery and reconstruction. Over the next three years, an estimated $20 billion will be required to stabilize essential services and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.

“This opportunity must lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. Palestinians will need joint action to address the immense recovery and reconstruction challenges ahead. A sustainable recovery process must restore hope, dignity, and livelihoods for the two million people in Gaza. Achieving this requires unwavering commitment from the global community, a broad coalition of donors, and innovative financing,” said Muhannad Hadi, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator.

“The UN stands ready to support the Palestinian people both on humanitarian assistance and a future recovery and reconstruction process,” added Hadi.

The Assessment covers damage, losses, and needs incurred from October 2023 to October 2024. Remote data sources include synthetic aperture radar, multi-spectral, high resolution optical and infrared satellite imagery, traditional and social media reporting. On-the-ground data sources include United Nations agencies; humanitarian partner organizations; and other sources.

The Assessment states that recovery and reconstruction will require a substantial, years-long effort. Political and operational prerequisites for recovery at scale need to be met in Gaza. While the humanitarian response will remain the primary focus for the foreseeable future, in parallel, some early recovery work is already underway by the United Nations and humanitarian partners.

“Once conditions are in place, temporary shelters will be established, basic services restored, the economy kick-started, and individual and social rehabilitation begun while the longer-term recovery and reconstruction advances,” said Mr. Hadi.

Central to achieving these objectives is strengthening the institutions of the Palestinian Authority (PA), while rejecting any actions that undermine its viability. International support is critical to boost the capacities of the Palestinian Government and to ensure it resumes its full responsibilities in Gaza. Political, institutional, and economic reforms will be needed as well, but they must be achievable and properly financed.

The international community must make collective efforts to support a just and lasting peace that leads to the realization of the two-State solution – Israel and Palestine, of which Gaza is an integral part, living side-by-side in peace and security, on the basis of United Nations resolutions and international law, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. 

The United Nations will continue to support all efforts towards that goal.