Gaza has more rubble and debris to clear than Ukraine, the head of the United Nations’ demining operations in the Palestinian territory declared on Wednesday.
“Putting this into perspective, the front in Ukraine spans around 600 miles (just under 1,000 kilometres) whereas Gaza is 25 miles long,” explains Mungo Birch, who leads the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Gaza.
In mid-April the UN estimated that there were 37 million tonnes of debris in Gaza – equivalent to 300 kilograms per square metre. But as well as the gargantuan challenge of clearing this, Birch explains that the ruins are “likely heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO), which will make cleaning even more complicated by other dangers within the rubble.”
“There is over 800,000 tonnes of asbestos alone, just in Gaza’s debris,” adds the official, highlighting a product that requires special handling due to its significant health risks.
In terms of funding, UNMAS has secured $5 million but to “continue our operations for the next 12 months, we require an additional $40 million.” Birch also notes that “to make Gaza safe again for its inhabitants, the entire sector will need hundreds of millions of dollars spread over several years.”
