Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met a Canadian delegation led by Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka. Photo: PMO
DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought Canadian cooperation in education, health, energy and agriculture, alongside food security, technical education and climate financing, to strengthen bilateral ties and expand development cooperation.

He made the call when a delegation led by Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai paid a courtesy call on him at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat here, said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin. During the meeting, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for strategic partnership, alongside the Rohingya crisis and other development priorities.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh looked forward to cooperation from friendly countries like Canada in key sectors, including health and education. On energy, the Canadian side expressed interest in supporting Bangladesh’s energy supply, particularly in oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

In health and skills development, Canada expressed interest in expanding cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, including nursing education. The Canadian side also indicated interest in supporting nursing training institutions and developing skilled nurses, building on its existing activities in the sector.

In agriculture, the discussions covered cooperation in pulses and oilseeds, food security and data-driven agricultural planning. The Canadian side also briefed the prime minister on its ongoing activities through the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

Tarique Rahman outlined the government’s plan to introduce Farmer Cards to provide farmers with fertilisers, seeds and other essential agricultural inputs, saying, “The initiative would also help build a comprehensive database of farmers, enabling better agricultural planning and more effective delivery of government support.”

On the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh was hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas and that their prolonged presence was putting considerable pressure on the country’s economy and environment.

“While humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas is important, their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation is the only sustainable solution to the crisis. The crisis originated in Myanmar, and its solution also lies in Myanmar,” the premier said.

Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development agreed on the importance of peaceful, safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas. The meeting also discussed renewable energy, canal excavation, tree plantation and climate financing. Sarai said Canada was interested in providing C$13 billion in climate financing globally over the next five years, noting that Bangladesh could benefit from the initiative.

Canada also expressed interest in supporting feasibility studies for development projects in Bangladesh. The discussions also covered the government’s Family Card initiative and poverty reduction. Referring to World Bank estimates, the prime minister said better-targeted social assistance, including through the Family Card, could help lift an additional 28.5 Lakhs people out of poverty.

He stressed the importance of promoting economic self-reliance through income generation and employment opportunities alongside social protection programmes. Sarai praised the contributions of Bangladeshis and Canadians of Bangladeshi origin living in Canada, highlighting their initiative, skills and positive outlook, noting that two Canadians of Bangladeshi origin were serving as members of the Canadian Parliament.

At the end of the meeting, Sarai invited the Prime Minister to visit Canada. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly and other relevant officials were present. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh and other senior Canadian officials also attended the meeting.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today invited Japanese business conglomerate Marubeni Corporation to invest in Bangladesh’s information technology (IT), fertiliser and energy sectors, highlighting his government’s moves to harness the country’s economic potential and attract domestic and foreign investment.

The Premier made the invitation when a high-level delegation led by Marubeni Corporation President and CEO Masayuki Omoto paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning, said his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the longstanding business ties between Bangladesh and Marubeni in jute products and stressed the need to expand the existing relationship and strengthen cooperation in new sectors, Shadhin said.

The discussions covered investment opportunities in information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fertiliser and energy, as well as the possibility of establishing a second Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) plant in Bangladesh. The two sides also discussed the potential of Bangladesh’s IT sector, the development of skilled human resources and the country’s prospects for becoming an international service hub.

Tarique Rahman highlighted the government’s plan to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi engineering graduates in IT and cybersecurity. Bangladesh could emerge as a major international service hub by leveraging its skilled workforce, technological capabilities and competitive service offerings, the meeting observed. The possibility of launching an AI-powered data centre in Bangladesh within the next 12 months also came up for discussion, along with potential investment and technological cooperation from Marubeni in the project.

The meeting also discussed expanding the use of modern technologies and AI in agriculture to improve agricultural production and management, including through Marubeni’s potential investment and technical assistance. On fertiliser production, the two sides discussed expanding Marubeni’s existing investment in KAFCO and the possibility of setting up a second KAFCO plant in the country. Marubeni expressed interest in the proposal, Shadhin
said.

The meeting also expressed optimism that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and Japan, once implemented, would further strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Technology Rehan Asif Asad and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Md Shakirul Islam Khan were present. Marubeni was represented by its Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Asia Susumu Wakamori and the company’s Country Head in Bangladesh Manabu Sugawara.

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities detained protesters, opposition figures and journalists in Delhi ahead of a demonstration demanding the resignation of the country’s election chief, according to a Reuters report. Security restrictions were imposed in parts of the capital ahead of the protest, which centers on allegations concerning revisions to voter lists and the independence of India’s electoral process.

Opposition figures and critics have alleged that changes to voter rolls could unfairly benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission has disputed criticism of its electoral procedures. The protest adds to tensions over electoral transparency and the role of India’s election authorities, an issue with implications for public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

The allegations remain contested, and claims of political interference should be assessed against documentary evidence and responses from the Election Commission and the government. The developments have drawn attention to the balance between maintaining public order and protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and press freedom in the world’s most populous country.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has assured researchers of government support for a project to produce fuel oil from human waste, sewage, kitchen waste and agricultural residues. The prime minister gave the assurance on Saturday after viewing a demonstration of the technology at his office in Tejgaon, according to his Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Professor Dr Md Khalekuzzaman briefed the prime minister on the research, its progress and the prospects for commercial production. The researchers have been developing the technology for nearly a decade using Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL), a process that converts wet organic waste into biocrude under high temperature and pressure.

Laboratory tests have reportedly achieved biocrude yields of 50 to 55 percent, with further progress in producing diesel-rich biocrude. The next step is to establish a pilot plant capable of processing one to three tonnes of waste daily to evaluate production efficiency, costs and commercial viability. The proposed facility is estimated to cost Tk 100 crore to Tk 120 crore.

According to the researchers, successful commercial-scale implementation could eventually replace 10 to 15 percent of Bangladesh’s imported crude oil and save an estimated Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore in foreign exchange annually.

However, the researchers acknowledged that these projections depend on successful scale-up and assessments of the technology’s economic viability. They said the project could help reduce fuel import dependence, improve waste management, curb environmental pollution and create opportunities for a domestic fuel industry.

Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, University Grants Commission member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Muhammad Masud and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman Dr Md Rafiqul Islam were also present at the demonstration.

Shibbir Ahmed, Washington DC — The United States has announced new sanctions-related measures against the International Criminal Court (ICC), with President Donald Trump’s administration warning that it will continue efforts to restrict the court’s activities unless its concerns are addressed.

In a statement explaining the decision, the administration said the measures were intended to protect American citizens, military personnel, and political leaders from what it considers the ICC’s unlawful assertion of jurisdiction over US nationals.

The administration emphasized that the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, and rejects the court’s authority to prosecute Americans. It specifically cited concerns involving US servicemembers, Border Patrol agents, and elected officials responsible for national security.

According to the statement, Washington intends to prohibit certain transactions with the court and restrict its access to resources. The administration also warned that it could expand its efforts to dismantle the institution if the ICC and its member states fail to address American concerns.

The administration said it had given the court and its member states more than a year to respond to its demands. It argued that neither the court nor its member states had taken sufficient steps to resolve the dispute.

The latest action was taken under Section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203, issued by President Trump on February 6, 2025. The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also announced related measures and general licenses permitting certain transactions involving the court. <Cite refs={[“turn378094search0″,”turn378094search1”]}/>

Despite the sanctions, the administration said it remained open to a diplomatic solution. It called on countries that are parties to the ICC to engage in discussions aimed at addressing Washington’s objections, warning that additional measures could follow if negotiations fail.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression under the conditions established by its founding treaty.

The United States has long opposed the court’s jurisdiction over American nationals, arguing that the country has not consented to the Rome Statute. The dispute has intensified amid broader disagreements over the court’s investigations and legal actions involving US interests and allies.

The ICC has previously condemned US sanctions targeting its judges and officials, describing such measures as threats to judicial independence and the international rule of law. The court has maintained that it will continue carrying out its mandate to pursue accountability for serious international crimes and provide justice for victims. <Cite refs={[“turn378094search4″,”turn378094news8”]}/>

The latest US measures are expected to further strain relations between Washington and countries supporting the ICC, while raising renewed questions about the court’s financial operations, international cooperation, and the limits of its jurisdiction.

Nazirur Rahman Sohel, Dhaka — The Bangladesh government is preparing to launch a pilot Model Canal programme aimed at creating employment opportunities, diversifying livelihoods and improving environmental sustainability through the planned use of re-excavated government-owned canals and water bodies.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, will cover 20 selected canals across eight divisions, with an estimated 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the programme in Lalmonirhat on November 19, according to information from the ministry.

Under the concept of “Not Just Canal Excavation, but Multifaceted Use of Excavated Canals,” the government intends to transform restored canals into productive community resources rather than using them solely for drainage and water management.

The programme will promote social forestry along canal banks, fish and duck farming, seasonal vegetable cultivation and cottage industries, while preserving the natural flow and water-retention capacity of canals. It also aims to improve navigation, strengthen local livelihoods and generate sustainable employment for vulnerable households.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said the initiative builds on the canal excavation campaign launched by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, which sought to restore the country’s water resources and support agricultural development. According to the minister, many canals have gradually become silted up because of neglect and illegal encroachment, reducing their capacity to support drainage, irrigation and other essential activities.

The government is now pursuing a broader programme to re-excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers, streams and canals over five years, in line with the BNP’s election manifesto. Four government ministries are jointly implementing the initiative, with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief responsible for 7,000 kilometres.

Dulu said the ministry completed 1,200 kilometres of canal excavation during the last fiscal year against its assigned target. He explained that the Model Canal programme would introduce a more comprehensive approach by combining waterway restoration with productive economic activities and environmental conservation. A central objective of the Model Canal programme is to create income-generating opportunities for disadvantaged families living near restored waterways.

The government plans to encourage fish and duck farming in suitable canal sections, seasonal vegetable cultivation along canal banks and tree planting under social forestry initiatives. Cottage industries and other locally appropriate economic activities are also expected to contribute to employment generation.

These activities are intended to help participating families develop more diversified sources of income while making productive use of public water resources. The programme also supports the government’s wider target of planting 25 crore trees across Bangladesh. Integrating social forestry with canal restoration could help improve vegetation cover, protect canal banks and contribute to environmental conservation.

Officials say the approach is designed to help ultra-poor households move gradually towards economic self-reliance through productive livelihoods rather than depending exclusively on social assistance or allowances. The initiative places particular emphasis on preserving the environmental and water-management functions of canals while introducing new economic uses.

According to the programme’s concept paper, activities will be planned to maintain natural water flow and water-retention capacity, helping canals continue to support drainage, irrigation and other local needs.

Restored waterways can play an important role in managing seasonal water flows and supporting agricultural production. Their effective management may also help communities strengthen resilience against water-related disasters, although outcomes will depend on local conditions and implementation.

Minister Dulu said the programme would be implemented in accordance with the Environmental Conservation Act and the Water Body Management Policy. The ministry would also respect the existing legal, administrative and technical responsibilities of relevant government departments and institutions.

This coordination will be important to ensure that commercial and livelihood activities do not undermine the public, environmental and agricultural functions of the canals.

The Model Canal initiative forms part of the government’s broader commitment to expanding irrigation facilities, conserving water resources and accelerating agricultural production. Under the five-year nationwide plan, the excavation and re-excavation of rivers, streams, canals and other water bodies is intended to restore lost water flows and improve the availability of water for agricultural and community use.

The government is also continuing efforts to restore waterways through public participation, following the tradition of voluntary canal excavation associated with Ziaur Rahman’s earlier campaign. By linking restoration work with farming, aquaculture, forestry and small-scale industries, the Model Canal programme seeks to create a closer connection between environmental management and rural economic development.

Its success will depend on effective coordination among government agencies, protection against renewed encroachment, responsible management of canal banks and water, and the ability of participating families to sustain their livelihood activities over time.

The planned launch of the Model Canal programme represents an effort to broaden the role of canal restoration in Bangladesh’s rural development strategy. With 20 canals selected across eight divisions and approximately 2,400 ultra-poor families expected to benefit, the pilot will test whether restored waterways can support environmental protection alongside employment generation and income diversification.

If implemented effectively, the programme could provide a framework for combining water-resource management, social forestry, agricultural development and community-based economic activities in other parts of the country. The initiative’s long-term impact will depend on how successfully the government preserves the canals’ natural functions while ensuring that local communities can benefit from them sustainably.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Three Saudi citizens have been killed and several others injured in attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a Saudia Airlines aircraft, according to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation. The incident has heightened concerns over aviation security and the escalating conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Saudi aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued Friday, following attacks on Thursday. The first incident targeted airport facilities in the Saudi capital, while the second struck an aircraft belonging to the kingdom’s national carrier.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels operating in neighboring Yemen claimed responsibility for targeting the airport with a ballistic missile. However, Saudi authorities had not officially identified the perpetrators in their initial statement, and the group’s account should be treated as a claim rather than independently verified fact.

The attacks caused material damage and left several people injured, some of whom required hospital treatment, according to Saudi aviation officials. Authorities said they were coordinating with relevant security agencies to assess the damage and implement measures to protect passengers, airport personnel and aviation infrastructure.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of major civilian transport hubs amid rising regional tensions. Riyadh is a central gateway for international travel, business and religious tourism, making disruptions to its airport potentially consequential for travelers and airlines.

The security situation has prompted several international airlines to suspend or adjust services to Riyadh. Lufthansa and multiple Indian carriers have announced temporary suspensions following the reported attacks, while flight cancellations have disrupted scheduled arrivals and departures.

Airlines are monitoring developments and reviewing operational risks as authorities assess the situation. Passengers traveling to or from Saudi Arabia should confirm their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.

The scale and duration of the disruption will depend on subsequent security assessments and decisions by aviation authorities and individual carriers.

The attacks come amid renewed hostilities in Yemen, where Houthi forces are fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government and its regional supporters. The conflict has increasingly threatened critical infrastructure and transport routes, raising concerns about wider regional instability.

Saudi Arabia has been involved in Yemen’s conflict since 2015, supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. Renewed attacks on Saudi territory could further complicate efforts to contain the fighting and protect civilian infrastructure.

The latest incident also highlights the broader risks facing commercial aviation in a region affected by missile threats, military operations and shifting security conditions.

Travelers scheduled to fly through Riyadh should check directly with their airlines for cancellations, rescheduling options and updated airport guidance. Passengers should also follow official announcements from Saudi aviation authorities and their respective embassies.

At this stage, the full extent of the damage, the precise circumstances of the attacks and any further security measures remain subject to additional official updates.

The deaths of three Saudi citizens in attacks targeting Riyadh’s international airport and a Saudia aircraft mark a serious development in the region’s deteriorating security environment. With Houthi rebels claiming responsibility and international airlines reassessing operations, the incident is likely to keep aviation security and the Yemen conflict at the forefront of regional attention.

Further developments will depend on the findings of Saudi investigations, subsequent security decisions and any additional announcements from the parties involved.

Source: Associated Press reporting published October 9, 2026, citing Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and statements regarding the Houthi claim of responsibility.

DHAKA — The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and global port operator DP World today signed a 15-year concession agreement to operate and modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), in a major move aimed at increasing the capacity, efficiency and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway.

CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman signed the agreement on behalf of the port authority, while DP World Chairman Essa Kazim signed for the international terminal operator at a ceremony at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Al Hamoudi and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury were among those present.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and manage NCT for an initial 15 years, while ownership of the terminal’s land, core infrastructure and assets will remain with the Chattogram Port Authority and, ultimately, the Bangladesh government.

The concession includes an upfront payment of approximately Tk 600 crore, with 25 percent payable upon signing and the remaining 75 percent due before operations begin. DP World will also invest more than Tk 1,000 crore during the first 10 years to modernise NCT through new equipment, digital technology and operational improvements.

Under the agreement, CPA will receive a share of terminal revenue or royalty ranging from approximately 40 percent to 67 percent per TEU, depending on average terminal revenue. The port authority will also receive a fixed annual fee of around Tk 10 crore.

The agreement sets a minimum annual volume guarantee of 1.23 million TEUs, with the possibility of adjusting the figure to 1 million TEUs once a new terminal becomes operational.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government aims to rapidly improve the capacity and efficiency of existing strategic assets. He said the introduction of modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards and global logistics connections would help make NCT more competitive.

The government also plans to engage multiple international operators across port terminals to improve service quality, reliability and supply-chain resilience, he said.

DP World Chairman Essa Kazim said Bangladesh was becoming an increasingly important trading and manufacturing economy and that his company was committed to supporting the country’s development.

Through the partnership, DP World will connect NCT with its global network of ports, logistics infrastructure and supply-chain services, helping establish more efficient links between Bangladesh and international markets, he said.

NCT is one of four dedicated container-handling facilities at Chattogram Port. Since beginning operations in 2007, it has become a key part of Bangladesh’s trade infrastructure and currently handles around 44 percent of the port’s container traffic.

Chattogram Port handles approximately 92 percent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, making improvements in its efficiency strategically important for the country’s economy. The port, however, continues to face challenges involving container dwell time, vessel turnaround time, equipment performance and overall productivity.

Container dwell time at Chattogram Port and NCT exceeds nine days, compared with less than two days at several peer ports. Vessels also spend more than 2.5 days at the port, while benchmark ports record turnaround times of roughly 15 to 24 hours.

The 2025 Container Port Performance Index ranked Chattogram Port 364th among 400 container ports worldwide. The government estimates that operational inefficiencies and insufficient modernisation cost the economy around Tk 10 crore per day, or more than Tk 3,000 crore annually.

According to World Bank data, reducing container dwell time by one day could increase Bangladesh’s exports by around 7.4 percent.

The concession agreement includes key performance indicators, phased performance targets and financial penalties for failure to meet agreed standards. The targets cover areas including truck turnaround time and crane productivity. If a performance target is missed for three consecutive months, the applicable financial penalty will be triggered.

CPA will continue to oversee terminal operations through monitoring, audits and regular reporting. The agreement requires weekly and monthly reporting on container and vessel handling, revenue and other operational indicators.

The concession does not transfer ownership or sovereign authority over the terminal. Security, customs, immigration and other functions currently performed by Bangladeshi government agencies will remain under national authority.

The agreement also contains provisions covering cybersecurity, data localisation, access control and background screening under government-approved standards.

The DP World agreement is expected to complement the development of the Laldia Container Terminal, the fifth container terminal at Chattogram Port. The Laldia terminal is being developed by Denmark-based APM Terminals and is expected to be ready by 2030.

Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury described DP World’s involvement in NCT as an important step toward bringing Bangladesh’s trade operations closer to international standards.

“We want faster operations, stronger connectivity and higher standards at one of our most important trade gateways,” he said.

DP World operates more than 80 marine and inland terminals in over 40 countries, with its network handling around 10 percent of global container traffic. The company has port operating experience in major markets including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The selection of DP World followed Bangladesh’s government-to-government policy and public-private partnership framework, including prequalification, technical and financial evaluation, due diligence and negotiations.

The process began with in-principle approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on March 23, 2023. The Transaction Structure Report was approved on October 20, 2025, followed by the Request for Proposal on January 8, 2026.

Bids were received on January 25, with negotiations continuing until August 6. The CPA Board approved the arrangement on September 16, followed by final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 1.

The agreement is expected to play a significant role in modernising Chattogram Port, improving cargo handling efficiency and strengthening Bangladesh’s connectivity with international trade and logistics networks.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged global logistics company DP World to expand its investments in Bangladesh, particularly in free trade zones and rail-based inland container depots (ICDs), as the country seeks to strengthen its trade and logistics infrastructure.

The prime minister made the call during a meeting with a delegation from DP World led by Board Chairman Essa Kazim at the Secretariat on Thursday.

According to Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque, the meeting focused on expanding Bangladesh-UAE trade and investment, developing port and logistics facilities, and exploring opportunities for further cooperation between the two sides.

A major issue discussed was the 15-year concession agreement between Bangladesh and DP World for the operation and modernisation of the Chattogram Container Terminal.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the Chattogram Container Terminal along with its overflow container yard. The partnership is expected to contribute to the modernisation of the terminal, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh’s overall port and logistics infrastructure.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also sought information about DP World’s plans for new investments in Bangladesh, including the development of free trade zones and rail-connected inland container depots.

In response, the DP World delegation expressed interest in cooperation and investment in these areas.

The prime minister also invited DP World and other international investors to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh.

The discussions also covered potential initiatives to improve Bangladesh’s port infrastructure, expand regional trade connectivity and develop a more modern, efficient and integrated logistics system.

The proposed investments in free trade zones and rail-based ICDs could further connect Bangladesh’s ports with inland industrial and commercial centres, supporting more efficient movement of export and import cargo across the country.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain severe as shortages of medical supplies, damaged infrastructure and obstacles to reconstruction continue to challenge efforts to restore essential services.

The United Nations and its humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that Gaza’s health system remains under enormous pressure. In a UN Geneva briefing earlier this month, the World Health Organization said that no hospital in Gaza was fully functional, citing chronic shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

WHO said medical supplies can face lengthy approval procedures before entering Gaza. According to the agency, medical shipments had waited a median of 74 days for approval, while some equipment had been repeatedly rejected or delayed.

The consequences extend beyond hospitals. Without adequate diagnostic equipment and laboratory supplies, health authorities face greater difficulty identifying and responding to disease outbreaks. The humanitarian situation is also tied closely to the enormous scale of physical destruction.

A recent UN Trade and Development assessment estimated that Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction needs have reached approximately $71.5 billion. The assessment, based on work by the World Bank, European Union and United Nations, estimated physical infrastructure damage at $35.2 billion and economic and social losses at $22.7 billion as of early 2026.

Housing represents the largest category of damage and reconstruction needs. Educational and healthcare facilities have also suffered extensive damage, with more than half of hospitals and primary healthcare clinics reported as non-functional in the assessment.

Agriculture has been severely affected as well. UNCTAD reported that less than 1.5% of Gaza’s cropland remained accessible and undamaged, increasing dependence on humanitarian food assistance.

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding alongside continuing political disputes over Gaza’s future, security arrangements, disarmament and reconstruction.

A Washington Post report published Thursday said reconstruction remains largely stalled despite a U.S.-backed framework, citing disagreements over implementation and security arrangements. The report said hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to live amid extensive destruction and inadequate infrastructure.

For international aid agencies, the challenge is therefore twofold: providing immediate assistance while establishing conditions that allow Gaza’s basic infrastructure and economy to recover.

UNCTAD said large-scale international financial and technical assistance will be required for recovery. It identified rebuilding agriculture, industry, construction, energy and technology as important elements of longer-term economic recovery.

The UN’s humanitarian agencies continue to call for predictable and sufficient access for medical and humanitarian supplies, warning that the scale of need remains far greater than current response capacity.