UN briefing warns Gaza faces worsening humanitarian collapse and $71.4 billion reconstruction need

Khaled Fayari briefed the United Nations Security Council that Gaza is confronting a deepening humanitarian crisis, with ongoing strikes and armed activity leaving civilians at severe risk and essential services on the brink of collapse. "Some 1,800,000 people, nearly the entire population of Gaza, are displaced and living in IDP camps and are dependent on aid amid ongoing hostilities," Fayari said.

Fayari cited figures from the Ministry of Health in Gaza and said that since the ceasefire began approximately 800 Palestinians, including more than 200 children and seven humanitarian personnel, have been killed by strikes, shelling and gunfire. He also reported that the Israel Defense Forces stated its strikes targeted Hamas militants and facilities.

The briefing highlighted constraints on humanitarian operations, including unpredictable access, limited operational crossings and restrictions on items described as dual-use, which continue to constrain the UN response. "Food security remains a challenge, while essential services, particularly water, sanitation, and health are again on the brink of collapse," Fayari said.

Fayari told the Council that the United Nations and the European Union, jointly with the World Bank, released a Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimating reconstruction needs at 71.4 billion US dollars over the next decade, including 26,300,000,000 US dollars required in the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure and support economic recovery. He said the UN has launched funds co-chaired by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa and Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiza Al Akbarov to support early recovery planning across the occupied Palestinian territory and that member-state contributions to the fund were appreciated.

The briefing called for urgent planning not only for immediate humanitarian aid but also for early recovery and reconstruction. Fayari said the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza must be allowed to perform governance and administrative roles in coordination with the Palestinian Authority as elements of the comprehensive plan are implemented, including disarmament of armed groups, Israeli withdrawal and deployment of an international stabilization force.

The briefing concluded with an appeal for diplomatic efforts to continue and for member states to support recovery funding and access needed to deliver aid and begin reconstruction.