The World Health Organization revealed that rebuilding the health sector in Gaza will cost over $7 billion.

The UN News Center quoted Dr. Hanan Balkhi, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, during a press conference today: “Rebuilding the health sector in Gaza will cost more than $7 billion, including humanitarian response, early recovery, and long-term needs,” emphasizing that “this investment is essential for the peace and stability that health can achieve.”

Balkhi added, “There may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon to end the war after two years,” stressing that “rebuilding Gaza’s health system will not only save lives today but restore dignity, stability, and hope for the future,” and highlighted “the importance of a swift transition from crisis response to recovery once fighting stops.”

She noted that WHO has long had a plan for the post-conflict day and now has a clear vision moving forward, starting with restarting hospitals alongside addressing hunger and malnutrition.

She pointed out that Palestinian health authorities reported 455 deaths since January due to malnutrition, including 151 children, most under five years old, adding that WHO and its partners support remaining centers treating children with severe malnutrition and are working to open new centers.

Balkhi emphasized that lasting recovery requires more than treatment; it includes rebuilding food systems, restoring clean water, and enhancing sanitation as pillars of public health.

She confirmed that WHO remained in Gaza throughout the war, providing services despite difficult conditions and was the main supplier of medicines and medical supplies, supporting over 22 million treatment cases and surgeries.

The health sector in Gaza is witnessing an almost complete collapse after two years of Israeli aggression, amid ongoing siege and military escalation, resulting in over 67,000 Palestinians killed and more than 160 injured, in addition to extensive destruction in the sector.