Israel-Hamas War: UN Estimates Rebuilding to Take Until 2040
If the Israel-Hamas war stopped today, it would still take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed in nearly seven months of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in the territory, according to United Nations estimates released Thursday.
The United States has been pressuring Israel to increase aid deliveries during the war, and recently Israel reopened a border crossing with the hard-hit northern Gaza Strip for the first time since it was damaged at the start of the war.
On his seventh visit since the start of the war, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been pushing for a cease-fire deal that would free hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a halt to the fighting and the delivery of urgently needed food, medicine, and water into Gaza. Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be released as part of the proposed deal.
Oct. 7 Attack in Israel:
Palestinian militants launched an unprecedented attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in the death of around 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and the abduction of around 250 hostages. Israel has stated that militants still hold around 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others.
Devastating Death Toll and Humanitarian Catastrophe:
According to local health officials, the death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 34,500 Palestinians. The war has resulted in around 80% of Gaza’s population, totaling 2.3 million people, being displaced from their homes. Several towns and cities have been extensively destroyed, and northern Gaza is on the verge of famine.
Latest Developments:
During this time, nonstop Mideast coverage of the Israel-Hamas war momentarily pauses to report on protests and police action at U.S. schools. Colombia’s president has announced the country’s decision to break diplomatic relations with Israel, and the Biden administration is considering measures to assist Palestinians in bringing family members from the region. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing Hamas to agree to a cease-fire with Israel.
German Chancellor and Israeli Prime Minister Discuss Hostage Release and Cease-Fire
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call to discuss efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and reach a cease-fire agreement, according to German government spokesperson Wolfgang Buechner. The supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza was also discussed during the call.
Germany, the second-largest supplier of arms to Israel, has announced that it will resume cooperation with the United Nations relief agency for Palestinians in Gaza after an independent review of its neutrality. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has expressed disappointment in this decision.
Health Ministry Reports Increase in Gaza Death Toll
The Gaza Health Ministry has announced that the bodies of 28 people killed by Israeli strikes were brought to local hospitals in the last 24 hours. This brings the overall Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war to at least 34,596, with 77,816 wounded. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.
UN Reports Extensive Destruction and Long Road to Recovery in Gaza
A United Nations report reveals that the war in Gaza has destroyed over 370,000 homes, and it would take until at least 2040 to repair all the damages caused. The report further states that 370,000 housing units in Gaza have been damaged, with 79,000 completely destroyed.
Additionally, the report highlights that the Gaza offensive has devastated the economy, which contracted by 81% in the last quarter of 2023. Sectors of the economy have experienced losses of over 90%. The impact of the conflict will continue to worsen as it persists.
Gaza, under blockade by Israel and Egypt since 2007, already faced “hyper-unemployment” of 45% prior to the war, which increased to nearly 63% among younger workers. The war has further exacerbated the situation by causing the loss of 201,000 jobs in Gaza alone.
The war has also had a negative impact on the West Bank, where Israel has imposed restrictions on movement. Overall, the Palestinian economy, including both Gaza and the West Bank, has contracted by 25.8% in 2024. If the war continues, the loss will reach 29% by July, equivalent to $7.6 billion.
Hamas Commends Colombia’s Decision to Break Relations with Israel
Hamas hails Colombia’s decision to break diplomatic relations with Israel, describing it as a recognition of the suffering of the Palestinian people. The militant Palestinian group has called on other Latin American leaders to take similar action. Previously, Colombia was one of Israel’s closest partners in the region.
The decision to break relations with Israel was made by Colombia’s first leftist president, Gustavo Petro, who has denounced Israel’s siege of Gaza as “genocide.” Petro’s government had previously suspended weapons purchases from Israel. Hamas highly appreciates Petro’s stance.
