Gaza rubble clearance could take up to 10 years, UN says

Removing an estimated 61 million tonnes of rubble from Gaza could take at least seven to 10 years and cost billions of dollars, according to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), making it one of the largest rubble-clearance operations in modern history.

The UN estimates that the amount of debris is about 20 times the rubble generated in wars worldwide over the past 18 years. \

After more than two years of clearance work, about 907,000 tonnes have been removed and more than 300,000 tonnes recycled and reused, representing roughly 1.5% of the total.

World Food Programme teams have cleared about 580km of roads, allowing aid trucks, relief teams and residents to move through areas previously blocked by debris. The work is being carried out in hazardous conditions, with rubble containing unexploded ordnance, asbestos and potentially human remains.

UNDP estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 bodies could still be buried beneath the rubble. The organisation is working with groups including the International Committee of the Red Cross to identify areas where remains may be located and prioritise them during clearance operations. It is also developing a forensic process to identify remains and ensure religious burial practices are respected.

Unexploded ordnance presents another major risk. UN agencies coordinate with mine-clearance organisations including UNMAS and the HALO Trust to identify and mark hazardous areas before clearance begins. However, limited capacity means not all unexploded items can be removed or disarmed.

Five rubble-crushing sites are being managed by UNDP, with seven crushers operating across Gaza. Two machines were reconstructed by local engineers after new equipment could not be brought into the territory. The machinery frequently breaks down because of shortages of spare parts, engine oil and other supplies.

Crushed rubble is being reused to repair roads, fill potholes and raise tents and shelters above rainwater and sewage. UNDP officials said damaged businesses have also been able to reopen after rubble was cleared from in front of their premises.

The operation faces further challenges from restrictions on bringing construction equipment and other materials into Gaza. Meanwhile, more than 2.1 million displaced people are living in tents and temporary shelters, where rubble remains part of their daily surroundings.