Two years of relentless Israeli military operations have reduced the Gaza Strip to a vast landscape of ruins. It is now feared that at least 8,000 Palestinians remain buried beneath the debris of collapsed buildings.
Citing United Nations officials, reports from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz and Turkey’s Anadolu Agency highlight the staggering scale of the devastation.
An official from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that less than one percent of the rubble in Gaza has been cleared so far.
At the current pace, experts estimate it could take at least seven years to fully clear the debris. Thousands of families continue to wait near the wreckage of their homes, hoping to recover the remains of their loved ones for a proper burial.
Obstacles to Recovery
The Palestinian Civil Defense has stated that recovery and debris-removal efforts are severely hindered by a critical shortage of heavy machinery and technical equipment.
Israel’s ongoing blockade has prevented the entry of necessary tools, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the situation remains volatile despite a ceasefire. Since the truce took effect, Israeli violations have reportedly resulted in 828 new deaths and 2,342 injuries.
Over the two years of conflict, the total Palestinian death toll has surpassed 73,000, with more than 172,000 individuals injured.
Rebuilding a Ruined Land
The conflict has decimated approximately 90% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods have been largely leveled.
Preliminary UN estimates suggest that reconstructing the enclave and restoring it to its former state could cost approximately $70 billion.
