The American writer Kurt Vonnegut, in his novel Slaughterhouse Five, compared the stench of decomposing bodies in Dresden to ‘mustard gas and roses.’ In Gaza, the challenging task of clearing debris includes excavating thousands of buried bodies and removing tons of rubble. Reports estimate that there are 10,000 to 14,000 bodies entombed beneath the destruction. The UN Environment Programme reported that last December, there was a staggering 50.8 million tonnes of rubble from the recent bombings. It is believed that clearing all debris would require 105 lorries over a period of 20 years.
Recent statistics show that Gaza suffers from extensive devastation, with 69% of all buildings damaged or destroyed. Hospitals, schools, and vital infrastructure like water and sewage plants have been severely affected. The destruction of 92% of homes left 1.9 million people homeless, causing profound trauma in the community. As winter approaches, many are left without shelter. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid have faced obstacles, with critical supplies like tents and blankets being denied entry by Israeli authorities.
The lack of construction materials further impedes the rebuilding process, as Israel restricts items like cement and steel bars, fearing their use by military groups. Despite President Trump’s optimism that rich Gulf states would contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction, donations have fallen short. The proposed $70bn needed for reconstruction remains largely unmet, with only $1.14bn received so far out of the $4bn requested for urgent aid.
International efforts for Gaza’s stabilization have been hindered by disagreements on governance, with Israel opposed to Hamas and the Palestinian Authority’s involvement. The possibility of an international stabilisation force has met resistance, as key potential contributors like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt show reluctance to participate. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with a lack of funds, peacekeepers, and an effective reconstruction plan.
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