Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Emergency rubble removal, including unexploded ordnance: USD 26,750,000

Needs

The crisis led to extensive destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure, and significantly deteriorated basic services, further compounding the impact of 18 months of sustained blockade of all but the most essential commodities. According to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health figures, 1,326 Palestinians were killed during three three-week offensive, including an estimated 430 children and 110 women. 5,450 Palestinians were injured, including 1,855 children and 795 women. With 56 percent of the population in Gaza under 18, children were dangerously exposed to the fighting around them.

Homes and public infrastructure throughout the Gaza Strip, including United Nations’ facilities, sustained extensive damage with Gaza City the worst hit. An estimated 2.6 percent of homes were completely destroyed and 20 percent have sustained light to heavy damage from the fighting.

Activities

• Demolition of damaged building structures including residential, commercial and industrial facilities;
• Safe removal of nearly 1.5 million tons of rubble and debris;
• Immediate identification and safe removal of unexploded ordinances including safeguarding location and public awareness campaigns;
• Safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials;
• Crushing of nearly 1.2 million tons of concrete rubble and reuse of produced materials in road construction projects;
• Provision of public awareness and advisory on safe removal, salvaging of damaged building materials for housing rehabilitation or reconstruction;
• Generate nearly 200,000 workdays for unemployed people in the damaged areas; and
• Assisting the local authorities in the provision of solid waste disposal.