The United Nations estimated the amount of rubble and debris that needs to be cleared in the Gaza Strip at around 37 million tons, amid intensified bombing and fierce fighting since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas. Per Lodhammar, an official in the UN Mine Action Service, disclosed that the organization calculated the existence of 37 million tons of debris, which translates to approximately 300 kilograms of rubble per square meter in a Gaza Strip that was densely populated and urbanized before the war.
During a regular press briefing at the UN in Geneva, he noted that "removing this debris will take 14 years," assuming approximately 100 trucks are used. He also confirmed that unexploded ordnance has mixed with the rubble, which will significantly complicate the task. Lodhammar estimated that "at least 10%" of the munitions fired in the conflict do not explode, thus posing a constant threat to the population and to teams responsible for searching the debris for victims’ bodies and to workers assigned to clear the rubble.
He spoke about a recent meeting held in Amman with the United Nations Development Programme and non-governmental organizations, which focused on finding the best ways to handle the debris mixed with explosives. During this meeting, participants aimed to assess the extent of the destruction based on their field knowledge and satellite images, as well as their experiences in other areas that have been ravaged by conflict. This is being conducted "in preparation for what may happen and to intervene in Gaza," he stated.
His remarks are informed by his experience in this area, as he previously undertook a similar mission in Iraq "but on a smaller scale." He specifically worked in Mosul to clear 7 million tons of rubble and debris, he explained. Lodhammar revealed that "65% of the destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip were residential."
