UN: Reconstruction of Homes in Gaza May Take 80 Years

The United Nations says that the reconstruction of bombed homes in Gaza during the nearly seven-month war between Israel and Hamas may take 80 years. Reuters reported, citing a UN report published on Thursday, May 2, that if the conflict continues as before, the reconstruction of homes in the Gaza Strip could extend into the next century. Information provided by the Hamas militant group indicates that around 80,000 homes have been destroyed in the ongoing conflict, which began after attacks by militants of this group, supported by the Islamic Republic, on southern Israel on October 7 of last year. The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, states that over 34,000 people have been killed following Israeli attacks in the region. In contrast, Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields. Meanwhile, Reuters, citing a source in the Israeli government, reported that members of Israel's war cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss a proposed ceasefire in Gaza aimed at securing the release of some hostages held by Hamas, as well as the prospects of the Israeli army's operations in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, which is filled with Palestinian refugees. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, also stated in an interview with NBC News that Israel is seeking an agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He previously stated that if an agreement is not reached, only Hamas is to blame. Israel is awaiting Hamas's response regarding the latest ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian mediators. Hamas took 253 people hostage during the attack on southern Israel on October 7 of last year, among whom were elderly individuals and children. The militants of this group also killed over 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians. Israel has stated that it intends to attack Rafah to destroy the remnants of Hamas brigades, where many war refugees are located, and officials from several countries have warned Israel about the humanitarian consequences of such an attack. The U.S. Secretary of State: We do not support Israeli operations in Rafah that do not protect civilians. Fifty-seven members of the House of Representatives have urged Biden to prevent Israel's attack on Rafah. Protests against the Gaza war have spread to more universities from Los Angeles to New York. United Airlines has extended the cancellation of its direct flights to Tel Aviv.