One year into the conflict, Gaza is grappling with a massive cleanup effort, with an estimated 42 million tonnes of rubble left from destroyed homes and buildings. Experts estimate that clearing the debris could take years and cost around $1.2 billion.
In the ruins of his home, 11-year-old Mohammed, alongside his father Jihad Shamali, collects fragments of debris to create gravestones, a stark reminder of the ongoing tragedy. In Khan Younis, where Israeli raids have left severe destruction, Shamali reflects, “We get the rubble not to build houses, but for tombstones and graves – from one misery to another.”
The United Nations estimates that Gaza’s debris is 14 times the amount collected in the past 15 years and over five times that from the Battle of Mosul in 2016-17. With limited resources and growing health risks, the urgency to clear the rubble is immense. Many buildings are contaminated, and with 2.3 million tonnes of potentially toxic debris, Gazans face not only structural but environmental hazards as well.
To address the crisis, the U.N. has begun a pilot debris management project in Gaza, aiming to recycle materials for road construction and shore reinforcement. However, challenges such as restricted landfills, limited machinery, and Israeli-controlled border crossings complicate efforts. Meanwhile, health concerns rise, with spikes in respiratory infections and fears of future cancer rates due to hazardous materials.
As the world watches, Gaza awaits significant support for reconstruction, yet questions remain about long-term solutions. “Everyone’s concerned about investing in rebuilding if there is no political solution,” commented a U.N. official. The path forward remains uncertain as Gazans navigate the challenges of rebuilding amid ongoing conflict and destruction.
Key Points:
- Gaza faces the daunting task of clearing 42 million tonnes of rubble from the year-long conflict, estimated to cost $1.2 billion and take years to complete.
- Eleven-year-old Mohammed and his father in Khan Younis are using rubble to create gravestones, highlighting the ongoing tragedy and lack of rebuilding resources.
- The United Nations is starting a debris management pilot project to recycle rubble for roadwork and shoreline reinforcement, but challenges like land and machinery shortages persist.
- Health risks from the rubble are severe, with concerns about asbestos, toxic metals, and a rise in respiratory illnesses and cancer cases.
- Landfills and entry points for cleanup equipment are restricted by Israeli authorities, further complicating debris management efforts.
- Donors are hesitant to invest in Gaza’s reconstruction due to the absence of a long-term political solution.
