The World Health Organization said on Thursday that the reconstruction of hospitals and medical facilities in the Gaza Strip will cost several billion dollars.
Preliminary estimates indicate that about $3 billion is needed for the health sector alone during the next 18 months.
The World Health Organization representative responsible for the Palestinian territories, Rick Pepperkorn, said that within a time frame ranging from 5 to 7 years, the demand is expected to reach $10 billion.
Peppercorn revealed these numbers during a press conference held by the World Health Organization.
Pepperkorn, who has often been at the site since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, added, “The destruction is so enormous, I have never seen that anywhere in my life.”
He pointed out that almost all hospitals and medical facilities were either destroyed or damaged.
Analyzes to calculate reconstruction costs are currently being rapidly compiled by the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union and other organizations.
Pepperkorn said that reconstruction is a shared responsibility, adding that it should be funded by WHO members around the world, including Israel.