Gaza’s Ashes: Counting The Human And Political Cost Of War – OpEd

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Few places on Earth reflect the profound scars of conflict like Gaza. This narrow, 360-square-kilometer strip of land, already one of the most densely populated regions in the world, now stands as a symbol of relentless destruction, invoking comparisons to the devastation of Dresden, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki. But unlike those historic tragedies, Gaza’s suffering remains tragically contemporary, perpetuated by a blockade and an unresolved, festering conflict. The recent Israel-Palestine war has shattered lives, fractured regional stability, and reignited urgent questions about humanity’s ability to chart a course toward peace and justice in the face of intractable hostility.

The Israel-Palestine war has once again laid bare the devastating human, economic, and political costs of prolonged conflict. The recent escalation has not only ravaged Gaza but has also strained international relations, deepened regional instability, and raised critical questions about the feasibility of sustainable peace. Analyzing the multifaceted impact of the war reveals the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis, economic devastation, and political challenges to pave the way for reconstruction and reconciliation.

A Portrait of Devastation  

According to the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the scale of destruction in Gaza is staggering: nearly two-thirds of all structures in the region have been damaged. This translates to a grim reality—163,778 structures impacted, of which 52,564 have been completely destroyed, and another 18,913 severely damaged. Gaza governorate, the hardest hit, has seen 46,370 structures affected. Gaza City itself has witnessed the obliteration of 8,578 buildings.  

The human toll is equally harrowing. A previous UN report estimated that 370,000 housing units had been damaged by Israeli bombardment by April 2024, with 79,000 reduced to rubble. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reported that nine out of ten homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving countless families displaced. This housing crisis compounds an already dire humanitarian situation, as vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water facilities have been reduced to debris.  

The Human Cost and  Humanitarian Crisis

Amid this destruction, Gaza’s inhabitants face a profound humanitarian crisis. Food, water, medical supplies, and shelter are in critically short supply. The destruction of agricultural assets—80% to 96%, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)—has left the population heavily dependent on aid. Permanent crop fields have withered, livestock farms and orchards have been obliterated, and irrigation systems rendered unusable. These losses exacerbate food insecurity in a region where malnutrition was already prevalent.  

The psychological scars of the conflict run deep. Families are grappling with the loss of loved ones, the trauma of displacement, and the uncertainty of an unending siege. For children, the consequences are particularly acute, as their formative years are shaped by fear, instability, and loss. A generation raised amidst war faces the looming shadow of generational trauma, threatening to perpetuate the cycle of despair and conflict.  

The toll of war on human lives is staggering. Estimates place civilian casualties in the thousands, with a disproportionate number of women and children among the dead and injured. Thousands more have been displaced, forced to seek refuge in overcrowded shelters with limited access to basic necessities. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and disabled, face heightened risks in a region where infrastructure has been decimated.

The humanitarian crisis is unprecedented. Access to clean water, food, and medical supplies is severely restricted, exacerbated by blockades and continued bombardments. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, lacking the resources to treat the influx of wounded, and the collapse of sanitation systems raises fears of disease outbreaks. Aid delivery is hampered by security concerns and logistical challenges, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

The long-term consequences are equally dire. Generational trauma, particularly among children, threatens to perpetuate cycles of violence and instability. Mental health crises, compounded by unemployment and poverty, will erode the social fabric for decades. The erosion of trust and community cohesion makes recovery even more daunting.

Economic and Political Costs

The economic devastation in Gaza is catastrophic. The destruction of homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools has wiped out livelihoods and essential services. The Palestinian economy, already fragile, faces a near-total collapse, with unemployment rates soaring and trade disrupted. Early estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza will require billions of dollars, a financial burden that neither local authorities nor the international community is fully prepared to shoulder.

Political deadlock further complicates recovery. Deep-seated mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, coupled with extremism on both sides, undermines efforts to negotiate a ceasefire or address root causes of the conflict. The war has dealt a significant blow to the already fragile two-state solution, with hardliners gaining ground and moderates sidelined. Regional and international actors, while vocal in their calls for peace, often pursue conflicting agendas that hinder meaningful dialogue.

Rebuilding Amid Ruins

The financial cost of rebuilding Gaza is as monumental as the physical devastation. The UN Development Program (UNDP) estimated the total reconstruction cost at over $40 billion in September 2024. The initial recovery phase alone—restoring basic services and infrastructure—will require $2 to $3 billion and up to five years. UNCTAD placed the physical damage to Gaza’s infrastructure by January 2024 at $18.5 billion, a figure seven times greater than Gaza’s GDP in 2022.  

However, reconstruction efforts face daunting hurdles. The ongoing Israeli blockade severely restricts the entry of construction materials, exacerbating delays. Shaina Low of the NRC emphasized the urgency of lifting restrictions on “dual-use” items such as timber, cement, and tools, which are crucial for rebuilding but often barred under security concerns. Without these materials, even optimistic projections extend housing reconstruction efforts to 2040, while broader rebuilding could span generations.  

Challenges and Opportunities

The path to reconstruction is fraught with challenges. Logistically, ensuring the safety of aid workers and construction crews in a volatile security environment is a formidable task. The destruction of infrastructure complicates the transport of materials and equipment, while ongoing hostilities heighten the risk of renewed conflict.

Politically, the situation is equally complex. Equitable distribution of aid requires careful coordination to prevent corruption and favouritism, yet the fractured Palestinian political landscape makes such coordination difficult. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including territorial disputes and systemic inequality, is essential to prevent future escalations, but such efforts face significant resistance from entrenched interests.

Despite these challenges, opportunities for sustainable development exist. International cooperation can facilitate investments in renewable energy, water, and sanitation infrastructure, which are critical to Gaza’s long-term resilience. Economic diversification, supported by private sector engagement, can create jobs and reduce dependency on external aid. A comprehensive approach that integrates humanitarian assistance with development initiatives will be key to fostering stability and growth.

International Responsibility

The role of the international community is pivotal. The United Nations, the United States, and other influential actors must prioritize mitigating the humanitarian crisis while supporting long-term reconstruction efforts. Effective coordination among donors, NGOs, and local stakeholders is essential to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.

Pressure on both Israel and Palestine to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful dialogue is imperative. International mediators must balance accountability for human rights violations with fostering trust and compromise. Mechanisms for justice and reparations can help rebuild confidence in the peace process, though achieving consensus on such measures will be challenging.

Accountability extends to addressing war crimes and ensuring justice for victims. Holding perpetrators on both sides responsible can deter future violations and signal a commitment to upholding international law. The global community must also advocate for the protection of civilians and the implementation of ceasefires to create space for humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

A Political and Moral Imperative

Rebuilding Gaza is not merely a logistical challenge; it is a moral imperative. The destruction in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Without addressing the root causes of occupation, blockade, and systemic inequality, reconstruction efforts risk being ephemeral, leaving Gaza vulnerable to future cycles of violence.

Global leadership must rise to this occasion. The United Nations, bolstered by coalitions of willing states, should spearhead an international reconstruction effort. Transparency, accountability, and the involvement of Palestinian civil society are crucial to ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

A Path Forward

Rebuilding Gaza requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond bricks and mortar. First, the immediate humanitarian crisis must be addressed. This includes lifting blockades to ensure the flow of essential goods and services, supporting food security, and providing psychological and medical care to affected populations.

Second, sustainable development must underpin reconstruction efforts. Investing in renewable energy, improving water and sanitation systems, and fostering economic diversification can help build resilience against future crises. International cooperation and private sector investment are critical in this regard.

Finally, a just and lasting peace must be prioritized. The international community must hold both Israel and Palestinian factions accountable to human rights standards and press for meaningful negotiations. Only through addressing the underlying grievances and ensuring equal rights for Palestinians can the cycle of violence be broken.

The destruction in Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis or an economic catastrophe; it is a moral reckoning for the world. The images of obliterated neighborhoods and grieving families demand more than sympathy—they require action. The cost of rebuilding Gaza is not merely financial but a test of humanity’s commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people.

Gaza’s story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Its people have endured decades of hardship, yet their spirit remains unbroken. As the world contemplates the path forward, it must remember that the stakes are not only the future of Gaza but the principles of humanity itself.

Debashis Chakrabarti

Debashis Chakrabarti is an international media scholar and social scientist, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Politics and Media. With extensive experience spanning 35 years, he has held key academic positions, including Professor and Dean at Assam University, Silchar. Prior to academia, Chakrabarti excelled as a journalist with The Indian Express. He has conducted impactful research and teaching in renowned universities across the UK, Middle East, and Africa, demonstrating a commitment to advancing media scholarship and fostering global dialogue.

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