Palestinian officials have said it will take up to five years to clear the rubble in Gaza. Palestinian Minister of Public Works and Housing Ahed Bisiyo has said that it could take three to five years to clear the rubble left in Gaza during the conflict with Israel, if sufficient funds and equipment are available.
Bisi told the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) that it is estimated that it could take three to five years to secure resources, funds and specialized equipment to detect explosives, and to remove, sort and transport the debris. He said his ministry is working with various organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to coordinate the process of opening roads and removing debris.
Bisiso said the next phase will focus on removing the rubble of 150 public buildings, including schools, hospitals, and mosques, and reopening roads. “A detailed study based on reports submitted by local residents of the damage estimated at 25 million kyats has been completed,” Bisiso said.
A task force has been established to address the situation in both the West Bank and Gaza. “According to initial information, approximately 400,000 housing units have been completely or partially destroyed due to the Israeli offensive,” Bisiso said. “There is a need to build 200,000 new units in coordination with donors.”
The ministry plans to work with partners to repair partially damaged homes and provide temporary housing for those whose homes have been completely destroyed. He said families living with relatives would receive financial compensation. The United Nations estimates that more than 50 million tons of rubble need to be removed in Gaza, which has a population of more than 2 million, at a cost of about $1.2 billion.
The Gaza-based office of the Palestinian state media outlet WAFA said in its first assessment since the ceasefire that 88 percent of the Gaza Strip had been damaged and that initial damage had exceeded $38 billion.
