European and Arab nations, along with Canada and the United States, appear ready to contribute to the estimated $70 billion required for the reconstruction of Gaza, according to a United Nations official. Jaco Cilliers, representing the UN Development Programme, highlighted that the two-year conflict in the region has generated rubble equivalent to 13 times the amount found at the pyramids of Giza, leaving Gaza’s landscape severely devastated.
Cilliers noted that Israel’s military action against Hamas resulted in approximately 55 million tons of debris, which will pose significant challenges for recovery efforts that could extend over several decades. Following a ceasefire, many Palestinians have begun returning to the remains of their homes in the coastal enclave.
Gaza has suffered massive destruction from Israeli bombardments, leading to a staggering death toll estimated at around 68,000 people based on figures from local health authorities. The scale of the destruction is particularly acute in Gaza City, where about 83% of buildings have experienced damage according to the United Nations’ Satellite Centre (UNOSAT).
Efforts to clear debris have already seen the United Nations Development Programme remove about 81,000 tons of rubble from the area. The military offensive, which began after a massive assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulted in the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and the capture of 251 hostages, a situation that remains central to ongoing negotiations.
Under recent ceasefire agreements, Hamas released the last of the Israeli hostages earlier this week, while Israel returned busloads of Palestinian detainees. U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled the culmination of hostilities after the two years of conflict, albeit amid a precarious situation where rebuilding efforts will take significant time and diplomatic coordination.
The international community continues to grapple with the complex dynamics of this humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgent need for sustained advocacy for peace and support for those affected. Hope persists that through collaborative international efforts, a path forward can be established to not only rebuild Gaza but also to facilitate a long-term resolution to the conflict.
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