How long will it take to rebuild Gaza? Where will the rubble go? What percentage and numbers of buildings have been destroyed?

Response:

Rebuilding Gaza

How Long Will It Take?

Rebuilding Gaza is expected to be a long and complex process, potentially taking decades. The challenges include the removal of over 40 to 50 million tons of rubble, the need to manage hazardous materials, and addressing the humanitarian crisis.

1. Bologna, 2023: The Gaza Strip may require a thorough cleanup and rebuilding effort, with official estimates indicating reconstruction could cost over $80 billion.
2. UN Plans: The United Nations has proposed a multi-phase plan that includes preparation, initial cleanup, rubble clearing, and final disposal.

For more details, you can read this Bloomberg article and this AP news highlight.

Where Will the Rubble Go?

The rubble will undergo a multi-phase management process:

• Initial Cleanup: Essential for safety, including removal of hazardous materials.
• Clearing: This will include recycling building materials where possible and disposing of waste in designated areas.

The cleanup and disposal process is expected to take considerable time and resources due to the sheer quantity of debris generated.

Percentage and Numbers of Destroyed Buildings

• As of November 2023, estimates suggest that approximately 60% of buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged.
• By December 1, 2024, reports stated that 69% of buildings had been affected, with around 245,123 housing units reported as damaged.

For further statistics and detailed reading, you might find this France 24 article and the comprehensive assessment from the UNOSAT report useful.

Conclusion

In summary, the rebuilding of Gaza is a significant undertaking that will take many years and extensive resources, with a large portion of the infrastructure needing to be rebuilt from the ground up. The journey ahead is as much about addressing immediate humanitarian needs as it is about reconstruction.