Gaza’s 42M tons of rubble to cost $700M, several years to clear
The United Nations has reported that 10 months of war in Gaza have generated approximately 42 million tons of debris. Clearing the rubble is expected to cost up to $700 million and could take several years to complete.
Massive structural damage in Gaza
The recent conflict in the Gaza Strip has generated approximately 42 million tons of debris, a volume 14 times greater than the combined total from all conflicts in the past 16 years, according to a comprehensive assessment by the U.N.-Habitat and U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP).
According to the U.N., the scale of destruction in Gaza is unprecedented, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The sheer volume of debris poses a significant challenge for recovery efforts, both logistically and financially.
U.N. estimates suggest that the cleanup operation could extend over several years, some say 15 years given the complexity and scope of the work involved.
UNOSAT’s latest assessment, based on satellite imagery from July 2024, reveals that 63% of the structures in the Gaza Strip have been damaged. Of the 151,265 affected structures, 30% were destroyed, 12% severely damaged, 36% moderately damaged, and 20% possibly damaged.
The most recent report identified approximately 73% of industrial and business facilities as damaged,1 with over 15% of buildings classified as destroyed.
