UN Estimates 14-Year Cleanup Timeline for Gaza, With 37 Million Tons of Rubble and Dangerous Residues to Remove

A senior United Nations official has warned that the Gaza Strip could take up to 14 years to clear of rubble and unexploded bombs, a consequence of the ongoing conflict that has left the region heavily damaged. According to Pehr Lodhammar, a UN representative, the war has generated an astonishing 37 million tons of debris.

The task of clearing the area will require extensive efforts, involving up to 100 trucks working continuously for years to manage the debris and remove unexploded ordnance, making it one of the most prolonged and difficult reconstruction projects in modern history.

This massive undertaking highlights not only the scale of the destruction in Gaza but also the monumental challenge facing humanitarian teams as they attempt to restore some semblance of normalcy to the region. With many buildings destroyed and infrastructure in ruins, the people of Gaza face a long road ahead before they can begin to rebuild their lives.

The situation also raises urgent questions about the safety of residents returning to the area, as unexploded bombs remain scattered across the strip. This creates ongoing risks for both humanitarian workers and civilians trying to access the remnants of their homes.