UN says up to US$485 million needed to rebuild Gaza

ROME: Between US$345 million and US$485 million are needed for the reconstruction of Gaza after the devastation caused by the 11 days of fighting last May, said United Nations (UN) Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Lynn Hastings.

"The conflict in May was a human tragedy for both Palestinians and Israelis, but it has further exacerbated the existing humanitarian and economic crisis in Gaza," the National Associated Press Agency (ANSA) quoted Hastings as saying in a briefing before the UN Security Council, based on estimates by the World Bank and the European Union.

She recalled that the UN has already raised the first US$45 million of a requested US$95 million for urgent relief, but "further significant steps" are needed.

"It is essential that Israel permit access for necessary humanitarian aid, including materials to implement the 2021 aid plan," she said.

In addition, she said without a regular and predictable flow of goods into Gaza, the ability of the UN and its partners to carry out humanitarian interventions will be threatened.

"Although urgent humanitarian interventions can provide crucial relief in the short term, any sustainable future in Gaza requires political solutions. I reiterate the need for the return of a legitimate Palestinian government to Gaza," Hastings said.

-- BERNAMA