Bethlehem - PNN
The 51-day Israeli war on Gaza caused mass destruction in the infrastructure of the whole city. After bombarding 17,000 houses and flattening whole neighborhoods, the Palestinian authorities estimate the cost of fixing the vital damage by $7.8 billion (£4.7 billion).
Mohammed Shtayyeh, Palestinian economist and a senior member of the West Bank's dominant Fatah party, and head of Palestinian Economic Council for Research and Development (PECDAR), said that “The attack on Gaza this time had no precedent, Gaza has been hit with a catastrophe and it needs immediate help because many things can't wait long.” He added that rebuilding Gaza would depend heavily on foreign aid and require an end to Palestinian rivalry and Israel opening its border crossing.
According to a Survey run by PECDAR, and compiled by 13 experts resident in Gaza and their research teams, the education sector needed around $143 million to recover. About half a million students cannot return to their schools because their schools are used as shelters for refugees. The UN said that Over 106,000 of Gaza’s 1.8 million citizens have been displaced to UN schools and host families.
After bombing the only power plant in Gaza the energy sector needed the amount of $250 million, and the Gazan airport and seaport needed $670 million, still a Palestinian right violated by Israel.
The remaining billions of dollars according to the PECDAR assessment, were allocated to the financial, health, agriculture, and transportation sectors, all of which suffered widespread damage during the war.
The most vital and precious loss that cannot be restored in Gaza, is the 2,127 souls that were killed in bombardments and missiles, 70% of which were civilians, including 577 children, 261 women, 101 elderly people.
The injuries struck 10,870 people. Dr. Jawad Awwad, Palestinian Health minister, stated that a majority of the injured people will suffer permanent disabilities. Not to mention the psychological consequences of genocide and thousands of deaths and slaughtered families.
On the other hand, 64 Israeli soldiers, and 5 civilians were killed during the 51 days aggression.