There are 50m tonnes of rubble in Gaza - this is where it could go

Summary

The war in Gaza has left an estimated 50 million tons of rubble, with the task of clearing it being a monumental challenge. Options for disposal are limited, with the sea being proposed as a potential solution for creating new land. Various ideas, including artificial islands and land reclamation, are being discussed, but the political complexities are significant, particularly with Hamas's involvement and Israel's stance. The United Nations acknowledges the possibility of sea disposal, but it requires careful management of hazardous materials. The situation is a delicate mix of humanitarian, environmental, and political concerns.

Takeaways

• 😀 The war in Gaza has paused, but the process of dealing with the aftermath, especially rubble, is just beginning.
• 😀 Israel's bombardment of Gaza has resulted in an estimated 50 million tons of rubble.
• 😀 The United Nations estimates that 70% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed or damaged, with significant rubble concentrated around Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
• 😀 It would take 21 years and $970 million to clear the rubble with 105 trucks, but the challenge is complicated by unexploded bombs and bodies still buried.
• 😀 The rubble takes up a significant amount of space, with 600 hectares required if piled 5 meters high and 3,000 hectares if piled 1 meter high.
• 😀 One proposed solution to the rubble problem is to dispose of it in the sea, creating new land like Dubai-style artificial islands.
• 😀 Some of the disposal sites proposed by the UN are in areas controlled by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), raising political concerns.
• 😀 There are political implications surrounding the idea of using rubble to create new land, including Israel's and Hamas's involvement and long-term plans for Gaza's reconstruction.
• 😀 Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed turning Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East,' but his plan faced opposition due to its proposal for the permanent relocation of Palestinians.
• 😀 The UN has not ruled out creating new land by depositing rubble into the sea but emphasizes the importance of properly sorting and processing debris to avoid environmental harm.
• 😀 Israel has been advocating for the construction of an artificial island off Gaza to provide Palestinians with a humanitarian, economic, and transportation gateway to the world.

Q & A

What is the current situation in Gaza regarding the war and rubble?

The war in Gaza is on pause, but the aftermath has left the Gaza Strip in ruins, with an estimated 50 million tons of rubble to be cleared. The issue everyone is avoiding is where to put it.

How much of Gaza has been affected by the war?

The United Nations estimates that 70% of the buildings in Gaza have been either destroyed or damaged, leaving behind 50 million tons of rubble scattered across the region, particularly in areas like Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah.

How long and how much would it take to clear the rubble in Gaza?

According to the United Nations, clearing the rubble would take 21 years and cost $970 million, assuming the use of 105 trucks for transportation.

What are the dangers involved in clearing the rubble in Gaza?

Clearing the rubble is dangerous because of unexploded bombs and rockets, as well as the possibility of bodies being trapped under the debris. Recently, children have died due to walls collapsing on them while playing.

What is the challenge regarding space in Gaza for storing the rubble?

There is very little space in Gaza to store the rubble. If piled up to 5 meters high, it would take up 600 hectares of land, and if the pile were only 1 meter high, it would cover 3,000 hectares—enough to cover most of central London.

What role could Israel play in dealing with Gaza's rubble?

Israel could potentially help in disposing of the rubble, but this idea is politically sensitive. The UN has proposed some disposal sites in areas controlled by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), though Israel has not responded to the suggestion.

What is one of the proposed solutions to deal with the rubble in Gaza?

One proposed solution is to deposit the rubble into the sea, either to create new land or to extend the coastline. This idea has been implemented in other cities around the world.

What is the political context behind the proposal of artificial islands in Gaza?

The idea of creating artificial islands in Gaza is part of a Hamas-backed plan for long-term reconstruction, but it faces opposition from Israel and the West, particularly because of the desire to avoid Hamas's control of Gaza.

What were Donald Trump's views on the future of Gaza, and how do they relate to the rubble issue?

Donald Trump proposed turning Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East,' with glamorous tourist islands, which would likely fit into plans for rebuilding Gaza. However, his vision included the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a plan widely opposed as ethnic cleansing.

Has Israel ever proposed a plan involving an artificial island in Gaza?

Yes, Israel has long proposed the construction of an artificial island off the coast of Gaza, which would include a port and civilian infrastructure. This island would provide Gaza with humanitarian, economic, and transportation connections to the outside world.