Palestine calls for international support for reconstruction of Gaza Strip

The scale of housing destruction in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical level and requires long-term international support for recovery, Palestinian Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi said at WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

He stated that 372,000 housing units were damaged as a result of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, of which approximately 60,000 require partial restoration, while a significant portion require complete reconstruction.

"The discussion about housing in Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, is not only about rebuilding homes, but also about restoring lives, dignity, and stability. Housing is the foundation of social, economic, and humanitarian recovery," Hijjawi emphasized.

He stated that the conflict has forced nearly 1.9-2 million people to flee their homes.

According to the minister, the destruction affected not only housing but also water and sanitation systems, schools, and universities, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

"Successful reconstruction requires international political will, long-term financing, access to construction materials, and coordination," he noted.

Hijjawi added that the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip is planned as part of a five-year program that includes an early recovery phase, the creation of temporary shelter, and the construction of at least 200,000 housing units.

"Reconstruction is not only an engineering process, but also a humanitarian and moral responsibility," the minister stated.