What's happened
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has left the territory devastated, with an estimated 37 million tonnes of debris and unexploded bombs littering the area. The UN warns that it could take up to 14 years to clear the rubble, while reconstruction efforts are estimated to cost as much as $40 billion. The destruction has set back Gaza's development by 44 years, with homes, schools, and critical infrastructure suffering massive damage.
Why it matters
The extensive destruction in Gaza poses a significant challenge to the region's recovery and future stability. The high cost of reconstruction, estimated at $40 billion, coupled with the prolonged clearance of debris and unexploded ordnance, highlights the urgent need for international support and funding. The long-term impact on Gaza's health, education, and economy underscores the importance of sustained efforts to rebuild and restore the region.
What the papers say
The Guardian and Al Jazeera provide detailed accounts of the extensive destruction in Gaza and the challenges faced in clearing the rubble and unexploded ordnance. The UN's warning of a 14-year clearance timeline and the estimated $40 billion reconstruction cost are key points highlighted across both sources. The Guardian emphasizes the slow and dangerous process of clearing debris, while Al Jazeera focuses on the hazardous environment for Palestinians living amidst the rubble.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza, which began in October, has resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction, with homes, schools, mosques, and hospitals damaged or destroyed. The ongoing hostilities have created a dangerous environment for civilians, with unexploded bombs and ammunition scattered throughout the territory. The extensive damage has set back Gaza's development by 44 years, erasing decades of progress in health, education, and wealth.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.