UN: Countries Have Committed $70 Billion to Rebuild Gaza, But It Could Take Decades to Recover

The United Nations and several nations have committed a combined $70 billion to rebuild Gaza after two years of Israeli destruction. 83% of homes in Gaza City were damaged or destroyed during the Israeli onslaught. 

Jaco Cilliers, an official at the United Nations Development Program, explained that Canada, Europe, Arab countries, and the US had combined to commit $70 billion to the rebuilding of Gaza. The task of rebuilding Gaza will be monumental, as the Israeli bombardment generated at least 55 million tons of rubble that is riddled with unexploded bombs. 

Cilliers said it could take decades for Gaza to recover. 

However, rebuilding the strip will only begin if the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds. The two sides are already trading accusations of violating the pact. Tel Aviv said Hamas is not producing the bodies of the dead Israeli hostages fast enough, and has cut the amount of aid entering Gaza in response.