Rebuilding Gaza: A Herculean Task Ahead
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has projected that the monumental task of clearing the Gaza Strip of rubble resulting from recent conflicts may require up to 15 years. The cleanup process, estimated to involve the removal of 40 million tonnes of debris, is a daunting challenge that demands urgent international support and assistance to expedite the reconstruction efforts and enhance the quality of life for Gaza’s residents. The implications of this extensive endeavor emphasize the critical need to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The rubble in Gaza contains a mix of unexploded ordnance, hazardous materials, and human remains, posing a significant threat to the safety of the population. The cleanup operation is expected to involve over 100 vehicles and cost more than $500 million, according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Additionally, the presence of asbestos, a toxic mineral known to cause severe health issues, further complicates the cleanup process.
In comparison to the aftermath of the 2014 Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, where around 2.4 million tonnes of debris were cleared, the current situation is far more challenging. The UNEP estimates that the amount of rubble in Gaza exceeds the combined total of debris generated by all conflicts in the region since 2008 by a staggering 13 times.
The devastating impact of the prolonged conflict is evident in the widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. With essential resources like food, clean water, and medical supplies in short supply due to a blockade, the region is in dire need of immediate assistance. Israeli airstrikes have left vast areas of Gaza in ruins, with reports indicating the dropping of approximately 50,000 bombs, some of which failed to detonate.
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has projected that the reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and homes could extend well into 2040, with an estimated cost ranging from $40 billion to $50 billion. The level of destruction is so severe that the human development index in Gaza has regressed by 40 years, reflecting a significant setback in education, health, and overall quality of life for the residents.
the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza requires a concerted international effort and significant financial investment to address the immediate humanitarian needs and facilitate long-term recovery and development in the region. The scale of devastation underscores the urgency of providing assistance to the people of Gaza and working towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
