Residents of Gaza are confronting immense challenges as they seek to rebuild their lives following recent conflicts, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warning of 55 million tonnes of debris and critical shortages of construction materials hampering recovery efforts.
In a recent assessment, UNDP Special Representative in Gaza Jaco Cilliers emphasized the urgency of clearing rubble, which now blankets vast areas of the territory. "Families are eager to return home, but the scale of destruction is unprecedented," Cilliers stated, noting that unexploded ordnance poses life-threatening risks to civilians and workers.
Restrictions on importing essential building supplies, compounded by logistical bottlenecks, have further stalled reconstruction. Analysts warn that delays could exacerbate humanitarian needs, particularly as winter approaches. The UNDP has called for international cooperation to expedite debris removal and ensure safe access to materials.
For investors and policymakers, the situation underscores the fragility of infrastructure in conflict-affected regions, while academics highlight the long-term socioeconomic implications of prolonged displacement.
