Israel has destroyed more than EUR 150 million worth of EU-funded infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank.
Foreign AffairsMiddle East
- Omissions
- The 'up to EUR 70 billion' reconstruction figure originates from UN/UNDP, World Bank and EU assessments expressed in US dollars (USD 70 billion, announced at a UN press briefing on 14 October 2025). At 2025-2026 exchange rates (about EUR/USD 1.08-1.16), USD 70 billion equals roughly EUR 60-65 billion, so stating 'EUR 70 billion' slightly overstates the euro value of the estimate.
- The World Bank's own Financial Intermediary Fund brief cites total recovery and reconstruction needs 'exceeding $67 billion' in the IRDNA Addendum, close to but slightly below the USD 70 billion figure quoted by UNDP.
- The EUR 150 million figure comes from a journalistic investigation (EUobserver) based on EU Commission documents, not from an official EU statistical publication or a publicly released EU estimate.
- The UNDP estimate implies USD 20 billion is needed in the first three years, with the full USD 70 billion spread over roughly a decade, which is consistent with the claim's 'next decade' phrasing.
- Sources
- PrimaryUnited Nations UNISPAL (UN Office at Geneva press briefing)Around $70 billion will be needed to reconstruct Gaza and make it safe after two years of war, UN development experts said on Tuesday, while aid [remains blocked].
- PrimaryUN Geneva NewsAround $70 billion will be needed to reconstruct Gaza and make it safe after two years of war, UN development experts said on Tuesday.
- PrimaryWorld Bank — Financial Intermediary Fund for Gaza Reconstruction and DevelopmentTotal recovery and reconstruction needs exceed $67 billion according to the recent Addendum to the IRDNA supported by the World Bank.
- SecondaryEUobserverIsrael has damaged at least €150m of European taxpayer-funded structures in Gaza and the West Bank, but not paid back one euro, amid concern [over EU documents obtained in an investigation].
- SecondarySinn Fein (investigation reference)The investigation found that at least €150 million worth of infrastructure had been destroyed or damaged in the West Bank and Gaza.
- SecondaryTimes of IsraelWorld Bank, UN and EU raise estimated cost of Gaza reconstruction to $70 billion. UN official says 'we are capable' of rebuilding Strip.