The challenge to rebuild Gaza and the Ukraine when the wars end

As conflicts in Gaza/Israel and Ukraine/Russia rage on, discussions about post-war reconstruction may feel premature, but history shows us that rebuilding begins as soon as the dust settles. Once these wars end, a massive, coordinated international effort will be required to repair not only the physical damage, but also the socioeconomic and emotional scars left behind. However, what will this monumental undertaking involve, what will be the costs, the timelines and its implications for the global construction industry? Writes John Ridgeway.

These conflicts have caused unprecedented damage to infrastructure, homes and essential services. In Ukraine, entire cities like Mariupol and Bakhmut have been reduced to rubble, with estimates from the Kyiv School of Economics placing reconstruction costs at $411 billion as of 2023. Similarly, in Gaza, the destruction of homes, hospitals and schools has left thousands displaced, with reconstruction efforts likely to cost billions.

The destruction spans far beyond just physical infrastructure. Roads, utilities and transportation networks have been obliterated, and economies have suffered crippling setbacks. In both regions, rebuilding will require re-establishing water supply systems, electrical grids, telecommunications networks and community hubs.

Housing will be the most immediate need post-conflict. Millions of homes will require rebuilding or repairs because displaced populations must be rehoused. In addition to individual homes, vital infrastructure like hospitals, schools, bridges and public transport systems will need to be reconstructed, prioritising accessibility and resilience to future conflicts.

Reconstruction efforts will demand a large workforce, creating jobs in construction, engineering and manufacturing. This could, however, be an opportunity to engage local labour forces while also drawing in international expertise.

Modern construction technologies and green building principles can be integrated into the reconstruction process. Solar-powered communities, sustainable water systems and eco-friendly materials can be utilised to reduce long-term costs and environmental impact. For Ukraine and Europe, in particular, this could mean aligning reconstruction efforts with broader EU climate goals.

In both Gaza and Ukraine, historic landmarks and culturally significant sites have been destroyed. Rebuilding these spaces will be about more than bricks and mortar - but restoring a sense of identity and pride to communities that have suffered immense loss.

Infrastructure alone cannot rebuild societies fractured by war. Peace-building initiatives, mental health support and investments in education will also be integral to ensuring long-term stability to prevent future conflicts.

The costs of rebuilding

Reconstruction on this scale will carry an astronomical price tag. The World Bank and the European Union estimate that rebuilding Ukraine alone could cost over $1 trillion if the conflict drags on. Gaza's reconstruction is expected to require tens of billions of dollars, especially given its ongoing cycle of destruction and rebuilding, but who pays?

Governments, international organizations (e.g., the United Nations, World Bank and European Union) and private donors will likely foot much of the bill. In Ukraine, international allies such as the U.S., EU, and NATO members may spearhead funding efforts, while in Gaza, contributions may come from Arab states, international humanitarian organisations and other global contributions.

The private sector, including construction firms, engineering consultants and technology providers, will play a critical role. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could be established to share costs and accelerate project timelines.

That said, rebuilding after these wars will not be a matter of months but decades. In the short-term (1–5 Years), the focus will likely be on emergency housing, restoring basic utilities and clearing debris. Temporary structures may be erected to provide shelter while permanent homes are constructed.

Medium-Term (5–15 Years), we should begin to see large-scale infrastructure projects like highways, bridges and hospitals. At this stage, economic recovery programmes will be essential to sustain rebuilding efforts. Long-Term (15+ Years), there will need to be full urban planning and development to include modernising cities and restoring cultural landmarks.

While this is an achievable timeline we also have to recognise that in some cases, reconstruction may overlap with ongoing political tensions, delaying progress. Coordination between local governments, international donors and contractors will be essential to minimize delays.

Implications for the construction industry

Almost certainly, no one will be expecting any of this to be easy. Both the Middle East and Europe already face a significant skills shortage in the construction sector. Addressing this will require massive recruitment efforts, apprenticeships and cross-border collaboration to mobilise labour forces.

Rebuilding on this scale will also require enormous amounts of construction materials such as cement, steel and timber. Global supply chains, already disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts, may face additional strain.

On the more positive side, technologies such as drones for surveying, 3D printing for housing and advanced software for project management can speed up reconstruction efforts. Adopting these technologies will be essential to meet tight deadlines and budgets. The global construction industry will also need to align with sustainability goals, especially in Europe, where the EU’s Green Deal emphasises energy efficiency and low-carbon construction methods. In addition, construction firms across the globe will likely be called upon to contribute expertise, particularly in regions like Europe where the scale of rebuilding surpasses local capacity.

Furthermore, rebuilding will require stable governance and international cooperation. In Gaza, this may involve overcoming geopolitical challenges, while in Ukraine, managing relations with neighbouring countries and balancing Western influence will be critical.

We also have to accept that large-scale reconstruction efforts are often plagued by corruption and inefficiencies. Establishing transparency and accountability in fund allocation will be crucial to ensure progress. In regions like Gaza and eastern Ukraine, the risk of renewed conflict also poses a significant challenge. Rebuilding efforts must account for this by incorporating conflict-resilient designs.

Without doubt, rebuilding Gaza and the Ukraine is not just a regional challenge - it is a global responsibility. These conflicts have reverberated around the world, impacting economies, trade and international stability. By committing to reconstruction, the global community can send a powerful message of hope and solidarity while fostering economic recovery and growth.

For the construction industry, this will be a defining moment, offering both challenges and opportunities. By rising to meet the demand with innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the sector can play a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and equitable future. In the end, rebuilding after war is about more than bricks and mortar - it’s about restoring lives, rebuilding communities and laying the foundations for lasting peace.