Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has caused severe human, economic, and social devastation. Reconstruction efforts need to address past failures and current unprecedent challenges. Previous reconstruction efforts have been top-down and ignored Israel’s blockade and occupation. Gazan knowledge and ownership have been excluded, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism allowed for control by Israel and normalisation of the blockade. Major funding gaps also hindered reconstruction. Reconstruction amid the ongoing war has to speak to unprecedented challenges. A strategy should encompass a multi-dimensional approach addressing political, economic, and societal needs, local ownership and inclusion, aligning micro and macro-level planning, and promoting food security and sustainable agriculture.