Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip are yearning to escape their dire conditions in tent camps and go back to their homes, contingent on a long-anticipated ceasefire agreement that could put an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. However, for many, the challenge lies in the stark reality that their residences no longer exist, and the path to rebuilding is fraught with obstacles.
Intense Israeli air strikes and ground offensives have devastated entire neighborhoods across multiple cities, leaving behind piles of rubble, charred building remains, and debris scattered in all directions. Major roadways have been rendered unusable, essential water and electricity systems have been destroyed, and the majority of hospitals are now non-operational.
The timeline for rebuilding remains uncertain, as does the future governance of Gaza following the conflict. The tentative agreement for a phased ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas does not clarify who will have authority in Gaza post-war, nor whether Israel and Egypt will lift their blockade, which severely restricts the movement of people and goods after Hamas took control in 2007.
According to estimates from the United Nations, if the blockade is not lifted, it could take over 350 years to rebuild the territory.
The complete extent of destruction is yet to be fully assessed, awaiting the cessation of hostilities and the arrival of inspectors. The northern region of Gaza, which has faced the most severe destruction, remains largely isolated and has seen a significant decrease in its population due to the Israeli military operations initiated in October.
Recent assessments by the United Nations indicate that nearly 69% of Gaza’s structures have sustained damage or been completely destroyed, including more than 245,000 homes. Additionally, the World Bank has reported an estimated $18.5 billion in damages incurred within just the first four months of the active conflict that amounts to nearly the entire economic output of both the West Bank and Gaza in 2022.
Israel attributes this extensive damage to Hamas, which launched an attack into Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and leading to the abduction of an additional 250 people. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, among whom more than half are reported to be women and children, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry hasn’t disclosed the number of combatants among the deceased.
Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants but has not substantiated this with evidence. The military has presented images and videos showing Hamas’s construction of tunnels and rocket launch sites in residential areas, indicating they often operated in close proximity to homes, schools, and mosques.
Before any rebuilding can commence, the removal of rubble, estimated to weigh over 50 million tons—approximately twelve times the mass of the Great Pyramid of Giza—must occur. Even with over 100 trucks working continuously, it is projected that clearing the debris could take over 15 years, complicated further by the crowded nature of the narrow coastal territory that is occupied by around 2.3 million Palestinians.
This debris not only includes rubble but also unexploded ordnance and hazardous materials, along with human remains. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, many of those who perished in airstrikes may still be trapped beneath the wreckage.
The challenges of debris removal and subsequent reconstruction will necessitate billions of dollars and must address the difficulty of transporting construction materials and equipment into Gaza—both of which are uncertain. The ceasefire agreement outlines a timeframe of three to five years for the reconstruction efforts after all hostages are released and Israeli troops have exited the area.
Achieving this goal will require deliberations on the more challenging second phase of the agreement. Additionally, rebuilding will heavily rely on the status of the blockade, which critics argue constitutes collective punishment. Israel defends the blockade as a necessary measure to hinder Hamas from re-establishing its military strength, citing that materials like cement and metal pipes can be dual-purpose for constructing tunnels and rockets.
Should Hamas no longer be in control, Israel may reconsider lifting the blockade; however, plans for alternative governance are nonexistent. In the eyes of the United States and the international community, a rejuvenated Palestinian Authority would ideally rule both the West Bank and Gaza with backing from Arab nations, leading toward eventual statehood. However, this possibility is not acceptable to Israel’s current government, which opposes a Palestinian state and rejects any role for the Western-supported authority in Gaza.
Given the challenging history of Gaza, characterized by five wars over less than two decades, international donors may be hesitant to invest in an area lacking governance. This raises the concern that the sprawling tent camps along the Gaza coast could likely become a lasting aspect of life for its residents.
