Gaza reconstruction faces massive rubble and $6 billion recovery plan

The reconstruction of Gaza faces massive logistical hurdles, primarily the management of an estimated 61 million tons of rubble. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), over 80 percent of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. Clearing this debris is a prerequisite for rebuilding essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and residential areas.

Managing the rubble is complex due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, asbestos, and other hazardous materials. While the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that approximately 630,000 tons have been cleared, this represents only a small fraction of the total. The UNDP estimates that clearing the rubble could take seven years, provided there is consistent access to fuel, heavy machinery, and stable operating conditions. An estimated $110 million is required to initiate these efforts.

In parallel, the Palestinian technocratic administration, the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), has drafted a six-month recovery plan consisting of 71 projects valued at approximately $6 billion. These projects aim to rebuild the territory following the war. However, implementation remains dependent on cooperation with Israel for the entry of construction materials, fuel, and equipment. The NCAG is currently based in Egypt as it works toward establishing operations within Gaza.