The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that Gaza must clear approximately 55 million tonnes of war debris before reconstruction efforts can commence—a volume equivalent to 13 Pyramids of Giza. The announcement came during a Thursday visit by UNDP officials to the embattled territory.
A Daunting Cleanup Task
Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Special Representative for Palestinian assistance, emphasized the unprecedented scale: "This isn’t just rubble—it’s hazardous material mixed with unexploded ordnance. The environmental and health risks demand meticulous planning." Satellite data from the UN Satellite Centre shows 83% of Gaza’s buildings sustained damage during two years of military operations.
Road to Recovery
Analysts suggest the cleanup could take years given current resource constraints. The UNDP’s assessment highlights both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term economic challenges, with reconstruction costs estimated in the tens of billions. Regional stability and international aid coordination will prove critical for this next phase.
