The Israel-Hamas conflict has left a trail of devastation in its wake, with the World Bank estimating $18.5 billion in damage to Gaza’s infrastructure. This staggering number isn’t just a cold calculation; it represents the obliteration of homes, hospitals, schools, and livelihoods, painting a stark picture of the human cost of war. While the conflict rages on, one cannot help but wonder: what if this $18 billion had been invested in Gaza during a time of peace? Could it have transformed the region and opened up a brighter future for its people?
The potential for growth and development in Gaza is enormous. The region has been plagued by chronic poverty and humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. Imagine, instead of war-torn streets and shattered buildings, a Gaza brimming with life, modern infrastructure, and a thriving economy. This is the vision that could have been realized if $18 billion had been channeled towards peacebuilding and development.
Housing and Urban Development
One of the most pressing needs in Gaza is housing. According to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, over 500,000 homes are either destroyed or uninhabitable due to conflict. With an investment of $18 billion, Gaza could have constructed approximately 300,000 housing units, addressing the chronic housing shortage and providing homes for millions. Imagine the impact on families displaced by conflict, the opportunity for community rebuilding, and the overall improvement in quality of life.
Furthermore, urban development could have focused on creating sustainable cities. The current infrastructure is severely damaged, with only 30% of roads deemed safe for travel. Investing in road networks, green spaces, and modern utilities could have transformed Gaza into a more livable and prosperous environment, where citizens could thrive instead of merely survive.
A Healthcare Revolution
A stable community is only as strong as its health. In a region where 84% of health facilities have been destroyed, investing in a robust healthcare system could have been transformative. With $18 billion, Gaza could have financed the construction of 500 state-of-the-art hospitals, equipped with modern medical technology, intensive care units, and trauma centers. This would have addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis, where over 2 million people lack access to basic healthcare services and the region faces chronic shortages of medical supplies.
Investing in medical research, training, and building a well-equipped healthcare system could have drastically reduced infant mortality rates (currently at 17 deaths per 1,000 live births) and prevented avoidable deaths from malnutrition and lack of medical care. Imagine a future where every citizen has access to quality healthcare, a future free from the fear of preventable illnesses and the agony of losing loved ones due to inadequate medical care.
Unlocking Educational Opportunities
Education is paramount for long-term development, especially in Gaza, where 400 schools have been destroyed since the conflict began. With $18 billion, Gaza could have constructed nearly 10,000 schools, ensuring access to quality education for every child. Currently, overcrowding and limited resources make education a daily struggle.
Investing in higher education could have established universities, vocational training centers, and research institutions, empowering the youth of Gaza to become a driving force for economic growth. These institutions could promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, positioning Gaza as a hub of learning and technological advancement in West Asia.
Water and Energy Infrastructure: A Foundation for Sustainability
Gaza faces a chronic water shortage, with 97% of the water deemed unsafe for human consumption. This has led to widespread health issues, particularly water-borne diseases. With $18 billion, Gaza could have built several large-scale desalination plants, providing clean drinking water to the entire population and drastically improving public health.
Energy scarcity remains a severe problem in Gaza, where residents receive only four to six hours of electricity per day. Investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind farms, could have addressed this challenge. Imagine a Gaza powered by clean and sustainable energy sources, powering homes, schools, and businesses, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Economic Development and Job Creation: A Path to Prosperity
In peacetime, an $18 billion investment in Gaza’s economy could have dramatically boosted employment and entrepreneurship. With unemployment rates hovering around 50% and youth unemployment nearing 70%, this funding could have been used to create jobs and stimulate the private sector.
Investments in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would have empowered local businesses, supported entrepreneurs, and reduced dependency on foreign aid. Strengthening industries like agriculture and technology could have diversified Gaza’s economy, making it more resilient to external shocks and promoting long-term sustainability.
Building for Peace
If $18 billion had been invested in Gaza during a time of peace, the transformation could have been astounding. The population could have had access to world-class healthcare, education, clean water, and energy—essentials for a stable and prosperous society.
Instead of pouring billions into military spending that fuels conflict, imagine a future where investment in human capital and development breaks the cycle of violence and opens a new chapter of opportunity and growth for future generations. The $18 billion question is not just about the cost of war but about the cost of lost opportunities. It’s a stark reminder that peace, not conflict, holds the key to a brighter future for Gaza.
