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The aftermath of the recent war in Gaza has left behind a devastating legacy of destruction, with an estimated 42 million tonnes of rubble scattered across the territory. This immense volume of debris, exceeding the debris accumulated between 2008 and the war's commencement by a staggering 14 times, poses a monumental challenge for reconstruction efforts. The scale of the devastation is further emphasized by the fact that the rubble, if piled up, would fill Egypt's Great Pyramid 11 times over.
The United Nations, recognizing the magnitude of this crisis, has partnered with Gazan authorities to address the debris issue. The UN-led Debris Management Working Group has initiated a pilot project in Khan Younis and Deir El-Balah to commence the clearing of roadside debris. Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UNDP Gaza Office, acknowledges the enormous challenges ahead but underscores the importance of initiating the cleanup process as soon as possible. Israel's military, COGAT, has also pledged to improve waste-handling practices and collaborate with the UN to expand these efforts.
The war's toll on Gaza has been devastating, with nearly 42,000 Palestinians killed and over 163,000 buildings damaged or flattened. Amidst the ruins, residents are struggling to rebuild their lives. Taxi driver Yusri Abu Shabab, for instance, has taken it upon himself to clear enough debris to erect a tent. The cost of clearing the rubble is estimated at around $1.2 billion if the war were to cease immediately. Given the magnitude of the task, it is projected to take up to 14 years to complete the cleanup process.
The enormous amount of rubble serves as a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by the recent conflict. It underscores the urgent need for international assistance and collaboration to aid Gaza in its reconstruction efforts. Addressing the debris issue is a critical step towards rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and enabling residents to begin the long and arduous process of healing and recovery.
Source: Israel Hezbollah War Live Updates: 1 killed, 11 hurt in suspected terror attack in southern Israel