Following a ceasefire that halted two years of war in Gaza, Palestinians are confronting the monumental challenge of rebuilding amid near-total destruction and a fragile security environment. The scale of the task is staggering, with basic infrastructure obliterated, widespread humanitarian needs, and competing factions vying for control, casting doubt on the sustainability of peace efforts.
As residents slowly return to Gaza City, many find their neighborhoods reduced to sand dunes, forcing them to rely on GPS to locate former homes. Noor Abed, a 35-year-old software engineer, exemplifies this struggle, living in a tent on a university campus with no water, electricity, or phone service. He and others are cautiously optimistic, clearing roads and preparing shelters, but fear the ceasefire may not hold, delaying the return of entire families. The immediate priorities are shelter, food, and water, yet these essentials remain scarce across the enclave.
The destruction is unprecedented in modern history, with over 80% of buildings damaged or destroyed, equivalent to the impact of two nuclear bombs. Local health officials report nearly 68,000 deaths, including 20,000 children, with thousands more missing under rubble. Gaza’s Civil Defense estimates at least 10,000 bodies buried in debris, complicating recovery efforts amid unexploded ordnance. The United Nations Development Program notes that 55 million tons of rubble—akin to 13 pyramids of Giza—must be cleared, a process hampered by lack of equipment and safety risks.
Humanitarian conditions are dire, with collapsed water and sanitation systems leading to sewage backups in streets. Arable land has been bulldozed, eliminating farming, and toxic pollution threatens some areas. Food insecurity persists despite increased aid since the ceasefire; prices for basics like onions have soared 400-fold since the war began. Most households burn waste for cooking due to gas shortages, and the economy is crippled, leaving the population reliant on aid with no clear path to self-sufficiency.
Security remains a critical concern, as Hamas has quickly reasserted control through public executions and clashes with rival groups. Videos show gunmen killing eight blindfolded men, signaling a push to eliminate opposition and collaborators. This power vacuum stems from Israel’s withdrawal without a governance plan, allowing militias and clans to compete for influence. U.S. President Donald Trump has given mixed signals, initially approving Hamas’s actions but warning of disarmament if violence continues.
Diplomatic efforts under Trump’s 20-point plan aim to establish a Palestinian technocratic administration overseen by an international ‘Board of Peace,’ with countries like Egypt and Qatar contributing to a security force. However, details are vague, and the force has yet to materialize, prolonging instability. The plan requires Hamas to disarm and cede governance, but the group’s resilience and internal protests complicate transitions. Arab states leverage reconstruction funds to pressure Hamas, but commitments are unrealized, risking the ceasefire’s collapse.
Reconstruction estimates reach $70 billion, with $20 billion needed in the first three years to restore basic functions. Schools, hospitals, and factories are largely in ruins, and the UN warns that current aid levels—600 trucks daily—are insufficient. The ceasefire has eased some suffering, but the path to recovery is long, dependent on international funding and political stability. Without swift action, Gaza risks sliding back into conflict, undoing fragile gains and deepening human suffering.
In the face of these challenges, residents like Mohammad Abu Samra strive to rebuild fragments of their homes, emphasizing that safety alone cannot sustain life without essential services. The international community’s engagement, particularly Trump’s involvement, is crucial but uncertain. As mediators work in Sharm el-Sheikh, the people of Gaza hold onto hope while grappling with loss and the daunting reality that rebuilding may take generations, demanding unwavering global support and lasting peace.