In an exclusive interview, Rami Alazzeh, a key researcher at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), shed light on the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas on the Gaza Strip. He notes that despite the war being one of the deadliest military operations since World War II, the road to recovery is painfully long. Alazzeh explains that even if the fighting were to cease tomorrow, the time required for reconstruction could extend beyond a century.
He states, “If we look at the current state of devastation, returning to a pre-war economy—specifically that of October 7, 2023—might take at least 350 years.” This grim forecast is grounded in the economic toll measured over the first seven months of the conflict, which has caused approximately $18.5 billion in damages, nearly equal to the combined economic output of the West Bank and Gaza in 2022.
The report also reveals that one in four buildings in Gaza has either been destroyed or severely damaged, while two-thirds of all structures have suffered at least some form of damage, including over 227,000 housing units. Alazzeh highlights the sheer scale of the destruction, emphasizing that before any reconstruction can begin, the mountains of debris—infused with the tragic remnants of lives lost and unexploded munitions—must first be cleared.
When asked about the implications of these findings, Alazzeh stressed, “The speed of Gaza’s recovery hinges on the conditions under which it recovers. While our analysis indicates a possible timeline of 350 years, this does not mean the region is fated to remain in despair forever.”
The Norwegian Refugee Council, along with the international alliance known as Shelter Cluster, has estimated that under the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism—established in 2014 and designed for rebuilding under tight Israeli supervision—Gaza would require a staggering 40 years to rebuild all damaged homes.
As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian crisis only deepens. Alazzeh’s insights serve as a sobering reminder of the long road ahead for a region yearning for peace and recovery. The future of Gaza hangs in a delicate balance, influenced heavily by the outcomes of not only military engagements but also the international community’s willingness to aid in reconstruction efforts.
