Long before the first reconstruction crane can lift a beam in Gaza, nearly 55 million tonnes of rubble must be cleared. That staggering mountain of debris—equal in mass to 13 Pyramids of Giza—looms over residents and aid teams as they map a path toward recovery.
"This is equal to 13 Pyramids of Giza, just to give you an indication of the challenge that will be required," said Jaco Cilliers, special representative for the UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People, during his recent visit to the enclave.
Over two years of bombardment have devastated Gaza’s urban landscape. Satellite data from the United Nations Satellite Centre shows that around 83 percent of buildings have suffered damage, from collapsed homes to shattered hospitals. Clearing debris at this scale will require heavy machinery, innovative tech and a coordinated effort between local teams and international donors.
For young global citizens tracking this story, Gaza’s cleanup exemplifies the human side of data: where 55 million tonnes meet personal stories of lost homes, displaced families and the hope of rebuilding safe communities. For business and tech enthusiasts, it’s a call to explore drones for surveying collapsed structures or AI-powered systems to optimize sorting and recycling of concrete and steel.
Thought leaders see a broader lesson in sustainability: investing in circular economy practices now can turn Gaza’s rubble into raw materials for its future. Travelers and digital nomads, who dream of walking Gaza’s beaches one day, will recognize that clearing the past is the first step toward renewed cultural exchanges and immersive experiences.
The road ahead is long, but it starts with each tonne cleared. From local volunteers wielding shovels to international engineers deploying heavy-lift cranes, Gaza’s cleanup is a global effort that demands solidarity, innovation and sustained attention.
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Nearly 55m tonnes of debris in Gaza must be cleared, UNDP says
cgtn.com
