The World Health Organization said that rebuilding hospitals and medical facilities in the Gaza Strip will cost several billion dollars.

Initial estimates indicate that about $3 billion is needed for the health sector alone over the next 18 months.

The WHO representative in charge of the Palestinian territories, Rick Peeperkorn, said that within a time frame of 5 to 7 years, the demand is expected to reach $10 billion.

Pepperkorn revealed these figures during a press conference held by the World Health Organization.

"The destruction is so massive, I've never seen it anywhere in my life," added Peeperkorn, who has been at the site frequently since the start of the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip.

He pointed out that almost all hospitals and medical facilities were either destroyed or damaged.

Cost analyses of reconstruction are currently being rapidly compiled by the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union and other organizations.

Reconstruction is a shared responsibility, Peeperkorn said, adding that funding should be provided by WHO members around the world, including Israel.