The Daunting Task of Rebuilding Gaza: An Uphill Battle Ahead

Thu Oct 16 2025 16:33:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the ceasefire holds, Gazans face the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their shattered homes and infrastructure amidst colossal destruction and humanitarian needs.

Following a ceasefire, the people of Gaza begin returning to their neighborhoods to find extensive destruction. The UN estimates damages at $70 billion, with 84% of the area devastated. The rebuilding process will need to clear millions of tonnes of rubble, rebuild essential services, and ensure safety amidst the ruins. The challenges include restoring water treatment facilities, electricity supply, and educational institutions, with agriculture and housing also significantly impacted. Experts warn that the recovery process could take decades without efficient planning and international support.

As thousands of Gazans made their way back to their neighborhoods following a ceasefire, many were met with the harsh reality of complete destruction. The sight of their once-familiar streets now reduced to rubble indicates a daunting task ahead for rebuilding homes and restoring basic services.

The United Nations estimates the damage to be around $70 billion, and Prof. Andreas Krieg from King's College London stated, It's worse than starting from scratch - here you aren't starting in the sand, you are starting with rubble. Various reports indicated that the level of destruction in Gaza had reached around 84%, with Gaza City experiencing even higher rates of devastation, hovering around 92%.

Recent satellite data collected by BBC Verify suggests that there could be over 60 million tonnes of debris that need clearing before the reconstruction efforts can commence. The challenges posed by this massive amount of rubble go beyond physical obstacles; they also encompass human remains and unexploded ordnance.

Clearing the Rubble

The clearing process entails not just the removal of debris but also ensuring safety at the bombed-out sites. Philip Bouverat, a former JCB executive, highlights the importance of sorting and crushing debris to recover materials like plastic and steel. This will pave the way for rebuilding but requires a significant influx of construction materials.

We need to build a deep-water port for mass import of building materials, he emphasized, suggesting that clearing and rebuilding essential services like water, sewerage, and electricity may take precedence.

Water and Sewage

Access to clean water is an immediate priority, with over 70% of Gaza's water and sanitation facilities having been damaged during recent military operations. UNICEF warns that wastewater treatment plants are essential to prevent severe health crises, as high rates of diarrheal diseases and cholera remain a significant concern. The history of infrastructure attacks complicates any repair efforts, hampered further by inadequate resources and ongoing military threats.

Housing Challenges

The destruction extends to homes, with over 282,000 housing units damaged or destroyed, a figure likely underestimated. The UN reports that most of the road infrastructure is also in ruins, complicating recovery logistics. Experts indicate that unless favorable conditions emerge for rebuilding, it could take decades before normalcy returns.

Power and Agriculture Needs

Electricity infrastructure has suffered severe damage, halting operations in the Gaza Power Plant and rendering many facilities non-operational. The agricultural sector, crucial for self-sufficiency, now faces severe setbacks, with significant crop losses reported. The dangers of unexploded shells and debris on agricultural land delay recovery from this collapse.

Education and Future Prospects

The destruction of educational institutions further complicates the long-term future for children in Gaza. With around half of the population under 18, rebuilding schools is essential to restoring normal life. The UNRWA states that a remarkable percentage of school facilities require complete reconstruction.

As the resilient populace of Gaza looks toward recovery, international support and an effective reconstruction strategy will be critical for overcoming the immense challenges ahead. Without proactive measures and efficient planning, the path to rebuilding Gaza may stretch far into the future.