The United Nations has sounded a stark warning over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for urgent reconstruction as Palestinians endure “inhumane” living conditions. This plea comes as a US-backed truce enters its second phase, offering a rare window for recovery.
“I wouldn’t have imagined what I saw today, which is total destruction; not much is standing,” Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), told journalists after visiting the Gaza Strip.
He stressed, “We can’t wait, we can’t procrastinate. Across Gaza, people are living in conditions that are simply inhumane.”
The two-year war between Hamas and Israeli forces has left Gaza in ruins, with entire neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and essential infrastructure heavily damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of residents are now living in makeshift shelters amid rubble and debris.
Da Silva described the launch of phase two of the Gaza truce as a “historical” moment. He said it must be leveraged to kick-start reconstruction efforts, noting that rebuilding the territory will require an estimated US$52 billion, according to assessments by the World Bank, the UN, and the European Commission.
“But we cannot wait for the full-scale reconstruction, which requires billions, to begin the immediate early recovery efforts that need millions,” he added.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the start of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, designed to pave the way for rebuilding and the demilitarization of armed groups in the region.
The conflict erupted after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli response has left Gaza, home to about 2.2 million people, devastated—compounding the struggles caused by previous conflicts and a blockade imposed since 2007.
Da Silva estimated that roughly 60 million tonnes of rubble now litter Gaza. “It’s not just the sheer volume that worries us. The rubble contains unexploded ordnance, dangerous waste, and unfortunately, human remains,” he said.
He emphasized that immediate priorities include securing reliable fuel supplies, demining, rebuilding water networks, easing restrictions on aid entry, and allowing spare parts for repairs—all long-standing demands from humanitarian organizations.
Aid groups have repeatedly raised concerns about obstacles in bringing essential supplies, citing Israeli restrictions. Israel maintains that it regulates goods into Gaza to ensure security.
As the people of Gaza navigate a landscape of destruction, the world is reminded that behind the statistics are real lives—families seeking safety, children longing for schools, and communities desperate for a chance to rebuild. The call from the UN is clear: recovery cannot wait, and every day delayed means further suffering for millions.
