Gaza rubble clearance could take more than 140 years at current pace, UN says | TheBriefWire
Gaza rubble clearance could take more than 140 years at current pace, UN says
Published 2 July 2026 · world
More than 80% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed since October 2023, leaving an estimated 68 million metric tonnes of rubble — the equivalent of
More than 80% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed since October 2023, leaving an estimated 68 million metric tonnes of rubble — the equivalent of 11 Great Pyramids of Giza. Less than 0.5% has been cleared so far, and at the current pace the UN estimates full removal could take more than 140 years.
A UN-backed initiative is operating at five sites, processing debris into reusable construction material, but a shortage of heavy machinery and equipment is severely limiting progress. Much of the machinery needed for clearance has itself been destroyed, and further recovery depends on Israel permitting equipment and materials into the territory.
Al Jazeera's Ibrahim Alkhalili reports from Gaza City, Palestine. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
Published: July 2, 2026 • 6:36 PM IST · Updated: July 2, 2026 • 7:10 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points· Video
More than 80% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed since October 2023, leaving an estimated 68 million metric tonnes of rubble — the equivalent of 11 Great Pyramids of Giza.
Less than 0.5% has been cleared so far, and at the current pace the UN estimates full removal could take more than 140 years.
A UN-backed initiative is operating at five sites, processing debris into reusable construction material, but a shortage of heavy machinery and equipment is severely limiting progress.
Much of the machinery needed for clearance has itself been destroyed, and further recovery depends on Israel permitting equipment and materials into the territory.
Al Jazeera's Ibrahim Alkhalili reports from Gaza City, Palestine.
The BriefWire