UN Establishes Task Force To Coordinate War Debris Removal Efforts In Gaza

International organisations and donor groups are evaluating aid strategies and funding initiatives for Gaza. These plans will be implemented once a ceasefire is established. The focus is on addressing the severe humanitarian crisis caused by 15 months of military operations. A critical issue is clearing the extensive war debris from destroyed neighbourhoods and infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and economic sectors.

Preliminary estimates from the United Nations suggest that debris from Gaza's destruction could surpass 42 million tonnes. Transporting and disposing of this debris might cost around US$1 billion. The total reconstruction cost for the region could exceed $80 billion. This vast amount of debris poses significant threats to public health, the environment, and development efforts.

The UN has stressed the need for international cooperation in removing war debris and rebuilding Gaza. It calls for innovative solutions and sustained global support to restore hope and normality for affected residents. The UN emphasises that coordinated efforts are essential to tackle these substantial challenges effectively.

UN agencies on the ground, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have formed a task force. This group aims to create a comprehensive framework for managing the unprecedented debris removal process across Gaza. The volume of debris from recent military actions is greater than any previous Israeli campaigns since 2008.

The task force includes various UN bodies such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, World Food Programme, United Nations Mine Action Service, UNESCO, United Nations Human Settlements Programme, United Nations Office for Project Services, World Bank, and other international entities.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy from WHO expressed hope that Gaza's current ceasefire would lead to lasting peace. She highlighted severe psychological trauma affecting Gaza's population due to violence, displacement, and starvation. "Everyone in Gaza is experiencing an unparalleled state of grief," she stated.

The UN report warns that accumulated war remnants threaten public health and hinder residents' return to normal life. As part of its humanitarian mandate in Palestinian territories, the UN underscores that rebuilding efforts require global collaboration to overcome these challenges.

In summary, international organisations are preparing aid plans for post-ceasefire Gaza. They face immense challenges in clearing debris and rebuilding infrastructure. Global cooperation is crucial to restore normalcy in Gaza while addressing public health risks posed by war remnants.

With inputs from WAM