A United Nations housing rights expert has warned that rebuilding Gaza could take generations due to the massive scale of destruction and human suffering left behind. Large parts of northern Gaza have been completely devastated, with homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure reduced to rubble.
Thousands of families returning to their neighborhoods have found nothing left of their houses. Many are now living in makeshift tents, with little access to food, clean water, or medical care. The UN expert, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, described the situation as one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, comparing it to another Nakba, the 1948 mass displacement of Palestinians.
He explained that nearly all essential services have collapsed. Power lines are destroyed, water systems are broken, and roads are blocked by debris, making it difficult for aid organizations to deliver relief. Many survivors also face deep psychological trauma after months of bombardment, displacement, and loss.
Rajagopal emphasized that immediate international support is urgently needed. He called for the delivery of tents, caravans, and temporary shelters to provide relief for displaced families. However, he said that strict border restrictions have prevented most humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza, worsening the suffering of civilians.
He urged all sides to allow full humanitarian access and to prioritize rebuilding homes and community structures. Without significant aid and open borders, he warned, Gaza’s recovery will not only be slow but could take several generations before families regain stability and a sense of normal life.