UNDP Leads Gaza Rubble Clearance as U.S. Reconstruction Plan Stalls

UNDP, under the direction of Alessandro Mrakic, is collecting, sorting, crushing and reusing debris across the Gaza Strip. Palestinian crews use the processed material to rehabilitate roads, build shelter foundations and create community-kitchen surfaces. The effort operates near the Israel-Hamas armistice line, where workers also confront stray fire.

The enclave contains an estimated 61 million tons of rubble. UNDP reports that about 287,000 tons have been removed so far, describing this as “the tip of the iceberg.” The agency projects a seven-year clearance period, but only if heavy-machinery access and fuel supplies are accelerated and unimpeded.

A final Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment issued by the European Union, United Nations and World Bank places the reconstruction cost at US$71.4 billion. President Donald Trump’s U.S. plan to surge aid and rebuild Gaza has stalled, leaving a funding gap.

• Israel says its equipment and fuel restrictions are driven by security concerns.

• UNDP stresses that “accelerated, unimpeded access for heavy machinery and consistent fuel supplies” is essential to meet the seven-year target.

• EU-UN-World Bank assessment calls for US$71.4 billion to restore infrastructure, electricity, water, sewage, schools and streets.

The restrictions have been described as directly impeding reconstruction progress. The stalling of the Trump-backed U.S. plan has been noted as a concern for Gaza’s rebuilding, which now relies on limited UN resources.

Palestinian worker Ibrahim al-Sarsawi, 32, says he cannot find other income and recognizes the danger of ordnance and stray fire. Sobhi Dawoud, 60, describes the post-war phase as “a new war” of rebuilding.

• “Beyond the collection (of rubble), we have started sorting, we have started crushing, and, as such, reusing it,” — Alessandro Mrakic, Head of UNDP Gaza Office

• “We have used almost the same amount that we have collected.” — Alessandro Mrakic

• “UNDP has so far removed about 287,000 tons of rubble - but that is just the "tip of the iceberg", according to Mrakic.” — Alessandro Mrakic

• “I can't find any other source of income, that is why I do this work. (You) could get hurt,” — Ibrahim al-Sarsawi, Palestinian worker

• “The war is over, but (this) is the beginning of a new war,” — Sobhi Dawoud, displaced Palestinian

All sources agree on the 61 million-ton estimate and the seven-year timeline, yet differ on fuel availability and machinery access, leaving the schedule uncertain.

UNDP continues rubble-clearing and reuse operations, but the timeline depends on accelerated, unimpeded access to heavy machinery and consistent fuel supplies, which remain limited under Israeli restrictions. The status of the U.S. reconstruction plan remains uncertain, leaving the $71.4 billion funding need outlined in the EU-UN-World Bank assessment unresolved.