Gaza Strip, April 22 -- Gaza will need USD 71.4 billion over the next decade for recovery and reconstruction after a war that caused widespread destruction, according to a joint assessment by the European Union and the United Nations.

The final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), prepared with the World Bank, said USD 26.3 billion would be required in the first 18 months to restore essential services, rebuild critical infrastructure and support economic recovery.

The report estimated physical infrastructure damage at USD 35.2 billion, while economic and social losses were placed at USD 22.7 billion.

Scale of destruction

The assessment said the conflict had led to "unprecedented loss of life and a catastrophic humanitarian c...