Economist Podcasts Toil and rubble: who will rebuild Gaza?
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Nov 14, 2025 
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, shares on Gaza's massive destruction and the challenges of rebuilding amidst political turmoil. Alex Domash analyzes the recent wave of layoffs in the US, debating the role of AI versus traditional hiring trends. Meanwhile, Anne Rowe reflects on James Watson’s controversial legacy, from DNA discovery to his decline due to offensive remarks. This insightful dialogue explores the intertwining of global politics, labor dynamics, and scientific ethics.
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Scale And Scope Of Gaza’s Destruction
- Gaza is in ruins after two years of war, with 80–90% of buildings destroyed and over a million people effectively homeless.
- Rebuilding faces massive logistical, political and financial hurdles that make large-scale reconstruction unlikely soon.
Egypt’s Phased Reconstruction Proposal
- The Egyptian plan outlines phased reconstruction: rubble clearance, 200,000 homes in 2.5 years, then rebuilding institutions in years four and five.
- It aims to reuse rubble and build coastal infrastructure with Egyptian and Arab-state involvement.
Why The Egyptian Plan Faces Big Barriers
- Major obstacles: unrealistic timelines, 55–60 million tons of rubble, Israel’s control over Rafah and a roughly $55bn price tag.
- Gulf donors refuse to fund large reconstruction unless Hamas is disarmed, blocking the financial pathway.