Gaza: Aid workers face task of clearing rubble hiding up to 10,000 bodies

Aid workers in Gaza are grappling with the immense challenge of clearing 61 million tonnes of rubble left behind by recent conflict. In Tel al-Hawa, a district of Gaza City, a UN engineer named Ahmed Alyan spent an entire day attempting to clear a road, only to be surrounded by towering piles of debris. Alyan noted that "it feels like we are using a spoon to empty the sea."

Alyan is part of a World Food Programme (WFP) team clearing Beirut Street, once a bustling thoroughfare filled with shops, residences, and offices. Now, the area is largely deserted, with damaged structures, obstructed drainage systems, and sewage spilling onto the streets.

The UN estimates that clearing Gaza's rubble could take between seven and ten years and cost billions of dollars. Jaco Cilliers, the UN Development Programme's special representative in Palestine, stated that the estimated 61 million tonnes of rubble is roughly 20 times the amount generated in wars globally over the past 18 years. So far, about 907,000 tonnes have been removed, with over 300,000 tonnes recycled or repurposed, representing a mere 1.5% of the total.

Progress has been made in clearing roads, allowing aid trucks, relief teams, and residents to navigate areas previously cut off. However, the operation remains perilous due to the potential presence of unexploded ordnance, hazardous materials, and human remains. The UNDP estimates that between 8,000 and 10,000 bodies might still lie beneath the rubble and is collaborating with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross to identify these areas for recovery.

The agency is also developing forensic procedures to correctly identify remains, handle them appropriately, and provide documentation to families.

Despite the significant setbacks, aid organizations are facing severe shortages of heavy machinery, spare parts, engine oil, and other essential equipment needed for the rubble removal process. Restrictions on bringing construction equipment into Gaza have further complicated the situation, with concerns about items that could have dual-use applications.

The UNDP operates five rubble-crushing sites across Gaza, utilizing seven crushers. Two of these machines were locally reconstructed after engineers were unable to bring new machinery into the territory. The crushed material is being repurposed to repair roads, fill potholes, and raise tents and shelters to prevent water and sewage damage.

For Gaza's displaced population, the rubble is more than just a reconstruction issue; it represents the loss of homes and loved ones. Over 2.1 million people reside in tents and temporary shelters, surrounded by debris. While clearing roads has improved access and reduced issues with rodents and insects, many families still grapple with the emotional weight of the rubble, which may contain the remnants of damaged homes and cherished memories.

Nehal Abu Hassan, a WFP team member, emphasized that for some, the rubble "represents their entire life and memories," making its removal a particularly sensitive matter for communities. Unexploded ordnance continues to pose a significant threat to workers and residents returning to damaged areas. UNDP and WFP teams coordinate with mine-clearance organizations to pinpoint potentially hazardous zones and mark them accordingly.

Additionally, the rubble may contain hazardous materials like asbestos, while damaged buildings present a risk of sudden collapse. The UN highlights that assessing damaged structures before residents return is crucial for Gaza's recovery efforts.

Despite the vast scale of destruction, aid workers maintain that clearing roads and repurposing rubble can offer immediate benefits while preparing the groundwork for longer-term reconstruction. Jaco Cilliers acknowledged that "the progress in early recovery is slow," but they are striving to make the best of the current limitations in bringing in necessary equipment and services.