Gaza Begins Post-War Cleanup Campaign Amid Ongoing Crisis
Following two years of devastating conflict, residents of the Gaza Strip, in cooperation with local organizations and the United Nations, have launched a large-scale campaign to remove rubble and begin rebuilding destroyed areas.
Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network, announced that specialized crisis management teams have been deployed to initiate the clearing of more than 60 million tonnes of rubble from homes, facilities, and damaged infrastructure. He said the voluntary campaign aims to restore hope and build a better Gaza.
Dozens of volunteers, local UN staff, and Gaza residents have joined the effort using basic tools, while the United Nations has deployed heavy machinery and trucks to accelerate the removal of debris from roads.
Alessandro Maracchi, a representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasized the UN’s active presence alongside Palestinian organizations and local officials, stating that their mission is to restore dignity and enable residents to rebuild their lives in the region. Special attention is being paid to those who remained in Gaza during the war or have recently returned from the south, he added.
Despite a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel brokered by the United States since October 10 of this year, the situation in Gaza remains dire. More than half of the territory, including the city of Rafah and other areas, is still under Israeli military control.
According to humanitarian agencies, rebuilding Gaza will require extensive financial resources, with the cost estimated at around $70 billion. The ongoing humanitarian crisis and lack of restored security and infrastructure have raised serious questions about the responsibilities of the international community and relevant organizations.
