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How Palestine Is Using Rubbles From Buildings Destroyed In Israeli Attacks
Palestinians are repurposing rubble from Gaza’s destroyed buildings to repave streets under a UNDP-led project, aiming to rehabilitate roads, shelters, and public facilities. The effort occurs amid stalled aid plans and massive reconstruction needs, with safety hurdles like unexploded ordnance and access restrictions complicating clearance.
Why It Matters
If successful, the rubble-reuse effort could mark a concrete step toward restarting Gaza's economy and rebuilding essential infrastructure with international support.
Timeline
7 Events
Sobhi Dawoud on reconstruction as a 'new war'
April 27, 2026
"The war is over, but (this) is the beginning of a new war," says Sobhi Dawoud, a displaced Palestinian in Khan Younis, describing reconstruction and rubble-removal work.
Rubble-rehabilitation work in Khan Younis
April 27, 2026
In Khan Younis, heavy machinery clears mountains of destroyed concrete as workers pick through twisted steel and rubble; the UNDP project aims to rehabilitate roads and pave areas for shelter and community kitchens, using locally available machinery.
Rubble clearance faces danger: unexploded ordnance and proximity to armistice line
April 2026
Officials warn that debris may conceal unexploded ordnance and that sites near the Israel-Hamas armistice line face exposure to stray fire; removal requires coordinated checks with the UN mine service.
UNDP rubble reuse program advances: sorting, crushing, and reuse
April 2026
UNDP head Alessandro Mrakic says the programme has started sorting and crushing rubble for reuse, with teams using the material to rehabilitate roads and pave areas for shelter and community kitchens.
UNDP reports rubble clearance progress (287,000 tons removed so far)
April 2026
UNDP says it has removed about 287,000 tons of rubble so far, describing this as the 'tip of the iceberg' in Gaza's post-war clearance challenge.
Final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment released
April 2026
Recovery and reconstruction in Gaza will require $71.4 billion over the next decade, according to a final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment released this month by the European Union, United Nations, and World Bank.
Israel launches assault on Gaza after Hamas attacks
October 7, 2023
Israel launched its assault on Gaza following Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.