Gaza Rubble Clearance Takes Shape as U.S. Reconstruction Plan Stalls

UNDP is removing, sorting, crushing and reusing debris from the October-2023 war. Gaza contains about 61 million tons of rubble; 287,000 tons have been cleared. UNDP estimates a seven-year clearance if machinery and fuel are available.

After Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks and Israel’s response, a ceasefire was reached in October 2023. President Donald Trump pledged a reconstruction plan to surge aid and rebuild Gaza “from scratch,” but by April 2026 the plan has stalled, leaving UNDP’s work as the response.

Alessandro Mrakic leads UNDP’s Gaza office. Palestinian worker Ibrahim al-Sarsawi, 32, clears rubble despite safety risks. Displaced resident Sobhi Dawoud, 60, describes reconstruction as a “new war.” Israeli authorities restrict fuel and heavy-machinery for security; the U.S. has not released new funding for the Trump plan.

Rubble blocks water wells, hospitals and roads, crippling services and the economy. Reusing crushed material for roads and shelters cuts import needs, yet progress is slowed by unexploded ordnance, fuel scarcity and Israeli restrictions.

UNDP’s Mrakic says sorting and crushing now match the volume collected, enabling immediate reuse for infrastructure. Israeli officials argue restrictions prevent stray fire and unexploded ordnance. The U.S. administration has provided no new financing, leaving the Trump blueprint dormant.

Palestinian workers say limited jobs force them into dangerous sites. Local leaders criticize Israeli fuel and equipment limits as de-facto barriers to timely clearance. Observers view the stalled U.S. plan as a missed chance to mobilize broader aid.

Ibrahim al-Sarsawi works in rubble removal because he cannot find other income, noting the danger of stray fire. Sobhi Dawoud calls the effort the first step toward rebuilding homes, schools and utilities for displaced families.

The EU-UN-World Bank assessment cites $71.4 billion needed for reconstruction, while another EU-UN release mentions $4 billion over the same period, exposing a data gap. The seven-year timeline also assumes uninterrupted fuel and machinery, which remain unverified.

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

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

• “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

UNDP plans to expand clearance pending reliable fuel and machinery. International donors are urged to fund the $71.4 billion reconstruction gap, while renewed U.S. engagement could unlock additional resources. Ongoing Israeli security reviews will affect the rebuilding pace.