Gaza City – A large-scale operation to clear debris from major roads in Gaza City has been launched, aiming to reopen access and facilitate the delivery of essential services. The initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to improve access to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and other vital facilities damaged during recent hostilities.
The UNDP representative in Palestine, during a site visit in Gaza, highlighted the immense scale of the challenge. “This is a crucial first step,” he stated, “The estimated volume of debris is between 55 and 60 million tons.” The immediate priority is to clear roads, enabling easier access to hospitals, schools, and other community buildings.
The removed debris is being recycled, crushed, and reused for road paving and the construction of foundations for temporary shelters and facilities. This approach is part of a broader effort to recycle resources and minimize the environmental impact of the destruction. The UNDP hopes these efforts will pave the way for accelerated recovery projects in the long term.
Officials caution that the process will require significant resources and time. “This is an extremely demanding operation and will take many years to complete,” the UNDP representative emphasized. The operation follows a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10th, after approval by occupying forces and the subsequent withdrawal of troops from populated areas in the Gaza Strip. The agreement also included the return of displaced persons to northern Gaza and the implementation of a prisoner exchange as part of an initiative to end the two-year conflict.
The UNDP is playing a vital role in this initial phase of debris removal, addressing a significant challenge in Gaza’s recovery.
