The scale of devastation in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, according to a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The assessment estimates that rebuilding the enclave will cost around $70 billion, with an estimated 55 million tons of debris left behind—enough to cover New York’s Central Park in rubble 40 feet high (12 meters) or to build 13 Great Pyramids of Giza.
UNDP: 80% of Gaza city damaged or destroyed
Satellite imagery analyzed between September 22 and 23 shows that roughly 80% of all buildings in Gaza City have been damaged, including about 17,734 structures completely destroyed, the UNDP reported.
“The estimated scale of the damage and debris across Gaza stands at about 55 million tons,” said Jaco Cilliers, Special Representative of the UNDP Administrator for Palestinian assistance. “Beyond the symbolic examples like Central Park or the pyramids, this illustrates the sheer magnitude of the challenge ahead,” he added during a UN press briefing from Jerusalem.
Rebuilding may take decades
A joint assessment by the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank places the total reconstruction cost at $70 billion as of September—up from $53 billion in February. Cilliers said approximately $20 billion will be required within the next three years, with the remainder likely needed over several decades.
“This is not only a financial challenge,” he noted, “but a logistical and humanitarian one that will span generations.”
UN and Red Cross call for immediate access to Gaza
The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have urged the immediate reopening of all border crossings into Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid following the ceasefire.
“As far as we know, not all crossings have reopened. That remains the main obstacle,” said Christian Cardon, ICRC spokesperson in Geneva. “Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, are calling for urgent access.”
Standing alongside him, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized that crossings damaged during the conflict must be restored and reopened without delay.
190,000 tons of aid awaiting entry
Laerke stressed that a significant amount of humanitarian aid is already prepared but cannot be delivered due to access restrictions.
“We currently have about 190,000 tons of supplies ready for shipment—mainly in Jordan and Egypt,” he said. “The challenge isn’t the availability of aid; it’s the ability to get it in.”
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