The ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza has obliterated nearly two-thirds of the Strip’s buildings and rolled back six decades of development, according to Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Program (UNDP). Speaking at the Davos Economic Forum, Steiner described the scale of destruction as catastrophic, with an estimated 42 million tons of rubble posing significant challenges for reconstruction.

Approximately two million residents have been displaced, losing their homes and access to essential public infrastructure, including water, sewage systems, and healthcare facilities. Hospitals, schools, and places of worship are among the countless structures damaged or destroyed. The destruction has left critical services almost non-existent, plunging Gaza into a humanitarian crisis.

Steiner emphasised that this devastation extends beyond the physical, impacting the social and psychological fabric of Gaza. Decades of savings, businesses, and investments have been wiped out, leaving many with nothing but despair.

The UN estimates that the reconstruction process will span years, requiring tens of billions of dollars to restore Gaza’s infrastructure and economy. Steiner noted the immense complexity of rubble removal, which is hindered by safety risks, including unexploded munitions and the potential presence of bodies beneath the debris. Temporary solutions, such as recycling rubble for reconstruction, are being explored as the international community grapples with the enormity of the crisis.

Amidst this devastation, Gaza’s leadership is charting a course toward recovery. The Union of Gaza Municipalities has unveiled the "Phoenix Gaza" plan, a framework for sustainable reconstruction that blends immediate humanitarian aid with long-term resilience strategies. This initiative aims to rebuild while preserving Gaza’s historical identity and fostering community involvement. The destruction wrought by this war underscores the urgent need for sustained global support to rebuild lives and restore hope in Gaza.