61m tonnes of Gaza rubble: clearing the debris that hides 10,000 bodies
UN and WFP engineers are clearing massive amounts of rubble in Gaza City, a process that could take a decade and may reveal thousands of buried bodies. The operation faces equipment shortages, unexploded ordnance, and the challenge of recycling debris for road repair.
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the Tel al‑Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, a UN engineer named Ahmed Alyan spent an entire day moving piles of concrete, metal and shattered storefronts from a once‑busy Beirut Street. By sunset, he was exhausted, surrounded by mountains of rubble that had turned a major thoroughfare into a deserted, hazardous corridor.
The scale of the debris problem
UN estimates place the total amount of rubble in Gaza at 61 million tonnes – roughly twenty times the debris generated by all wars worldwide in the past eighteen years. To date, 907 000 tonnes have been removed and 300 000 tonnes recycled, a mere 1.5 % of the total. Clearing the bulk of the debris could take seven to ten years and cost billions of dollars, making it one of the largest post‑conflict cleanup operations ever undertaken.
Working under fire and with limited resources
Teams face a daunting array of hazards. Roads are blocked by collapsed buildings, sewage systems are ruptured, and unexploded ordnance is scattered throughout the rubble. The Israeli authorities have prohibited the entry of most construction equipment into Gaza, citing dual‑use concerns. Consequently, UNDP has repurposed seven existing crushers to process debris on site, while local engineers have rebuilt two of them to keep the workflow moving.
Equipment is often worn out, and spare parts, engine oil and other maintenance supplies are scarce. The result is frequent breakdowns, forcing workers to improvise and rely heavily on manual labor. Despite these obstacles, 580 km of roads have already been cleared, opening vital routes for aid trucks and allowing displaced residents to move more freely.
Recycling and reuse: turning rubble into roads
UNDP runs five rubble‑crushing sites across Gaza, where concrete is sorted, metal is removed, and the remaining material is crushed into small fragments. These crushed stones are then used to repair roads, fill potholes, and elevate temporary shelters above flood‑prone ground. While the material is not as durable as natural aggregates, it provides a practical solution given the restrictions on importing building supplies.
Local businesses have benefited as well. When rubble is cleared from in front of damaged shops, many reopen within roughly twenty days, revitalising the local economy and providing much-needed services to the community.
Human remains and forensic work
One of the most sensitive aspects of the cleanup is the potential presence of human remains. UNDP estimates that between 8 000 and 10 000 bodies may still be buried beneath the rubble. The organisation is coordinating with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Unmas, and the British charity Halo Trust to identify burial sites, conduct forensic identification, and ensure respectful burial practices. Families rely on accurate documentation and certificates to honour their loved ones.
In addition to human remains, the rubble may contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. Workers must wear protective gear and follow strict protocols to minimise health risks. The presence of partially standing buildings also poses a danger; many residents return to homes they believe are safe, only to find them at risk of collapse. Assessing structural integrity is therefore a critical part of the recovery effort.
Looking ahead: challenges and next steps
With only about 30 % of Gaza still accessible to aid workers, the task of clearing debris remains urgent. The Israeli “yellow line” continues to shift as new territories are seized, further limiting the areas where rubble can be moved. UNDP and WFP are prioritising sites that will unlock essential infrastructure, such as main roads and water systems, while also addressing the most pressing humanitarian needs.
Despite the limited capacity to disarm all unexploded ordnance, the teams are marking hazardous zones and coordinating with mine‑clearing specialists to protect both workers and returning families. The long‑term goal is to restore full functionality to Gaza’s road network, provide safe housing, and enable the community to rebuild its economy and social fabric.
As the cleanup continues, the international community watches closely, recognising that the removal of Gaza’s rubble is not just a logistical challenge but a profound act of human dignity and resilience.
Key facts
- 61 million tonnes of rubble in Gaza, a record‑setting amount
- UN and WFP teams are clearing 580 km of roads, but only 1.5 % of debris removed
- Equipment shortages and Israeli restrictions limit the cleanup effort
- Recycling crushed concrete is used to repair roads and elevate shelters
- Up to 10 000 bodies may still be buried, requiring forensic identification
- Unexploded ordnance and asbestos pose ongoing safety risks
Why it matters
The scale of Gaza’s rubble threatens basic mobility, public health, and the ability of displaced residents to rebuild their lives. Clearing the debris is essential for restoring infrastructure, protecting human remains, and enabling humanitarian aid to reach those still in need.
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to clear all the rubble in Gaza?
UN estimates suggest that removing the bulk of the debris could take between seven and ten years, depending on resources and access.
What happens to the rubble that is removed?
A significant portion is recycled into crushed concrete for road repair, while some material is used to elevate temporary shelters and fill potholes.
Are there any safety concerns for the workers?
Yes, teams face unexploded ordnance, asbestos, and structural collapse risks, and they coordinate with mine‑clearing experts to mitigate these hazards.
How are human remains handled?
UNDP works with the Red Cross and other partners to identify burial sites, conduct forensic analysis, and provide families with proper documentation and burial rights.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “61m tonnes of rubble: Gaza aid workers face delicate task of clearing ruins concealing up to 10,000 bodies”
