LocationsWorking on the frontlines of Gaza’s recovery
Hands that rebuild
January 8, 2026
Aerial view of UNDP’s Al Berka debris crushing site.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
In Gaza, Palestinians have experienced two devastating years of war. They have lost loved ones, their homes, their belongings and witnessed the destruction of roads, schools, apartment buildings and hospitals.
Now, amid consistently challenging conditions, they’re working on the frontlines of Gaza’s recovery.
UNDP is supporting the foundation for safer, healthier communities by clearing debris, restoring wastewater systems and wells and delivering clean water to the areas that need it most. These tasks require dedicated and skilled equipment operators, engineers and labourers.
Through implementing partners, UNDP projects have hired 2,819 local workers to support essential services in Gaza in 2025.
Yousef, 22, is working to repair segments of Salah al-Din Road, one of two main roads that run along almost the whole length of the Gaza Strip, vital for transportation of people and goods.
He was displaced ten times since October 2023, moving to various camps to seek shelter from airstrikes.
“It’s beautiful for me to do this work. We are making it easier for people to move around, and people are very happy when they see the work happening.”
Yousef, 22, working at the Salah al-Din Road repair site.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
Across Gaza, UNDP is removing rubble and crushing it at a rate of about 1,500 tonnes per day throughout five crushing sites. The rubble is then used to level roads and shelter sites as well as to improve access to bakeries, kitchens and hospitals. Over 267 road segments in the Gaza Strip have been repaired using crushed debris, measuring over 80,000 square metres.
Fareq, 54, operates heavy equipment at the Salah al-Din Road repair site.
“I’m very happy to be part of this work. When people see us working, they get a positive energy, a feeling that our community is starting to recover.”
Fareq, 54, operating machinery at the Salah al-Din Road repair site.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
At one of UNDP’s five debris crushing sites in the Gaza Strip, Dima, 25, works as a civil engineer. She is responsible for ensuring the proper machinery is on site and she records the weight of processed debris.
Weighing and recording debris statistics takes place during a five hour period every day, with the exception of Friday.
“This was hard work in the beginning, but it’s become routine now. It’s long days, and you need to be strong to deal with the tough conditions at the debris and landfill sites.”
Dima, a civil engineer, works at one of UNDP’s five debris crushing sites.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
Water trucking is another job that requires determination. Extensive skills are required to manoeuvre bumpy roads and navigate narrow shelter sites. Every day, UNDP trucks about 1, 800 cubic metres of water around the Gaza Strip, enough for 3,000 people.
Waleed, 33, recently delivered a tanker of water to the biggest shelter site in Zeitun, north Gaza, where 300 families are displaced. UNDP laid crushed debris as the foundation for the site and supports daily water trucking.
“I feel like I am doing a good deed for people–providing safe drinking water during the crisis. People come running when they see the truck. They wish that there would be more water.”
Waleed, 33, delivers water to a shelter site in Zeitun, north Gaza.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
Ensuring proper safety standards is key across every place of work. Naema, 36, works at debris collection sites to assess safety measures, the condition of equipment, and to ensure workers are using personal protection gear.
With two young children, she has balanced her work with caring for and protecting her family during the war.
“It’s difficult to balance work and responsibilities at home, but I do my best. This work is about saving lives.”
Naema at UNDP’s Al Berka debris crushing site.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
Ahmed, 31, also has two children. His work monitoring the collection of debris helps to support his family.
Despite losing part of his leg in 2024 during an airstrike, Ahmed is committed to working every day.
“With this job, I wake up full of energy in the morning, ready to work. People are happy that we’re helping to open the streets again.”
Ahmed, 31, in Dheir al Balah, Gaza.
Photo: UNDP/PAPP
UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People is working closely with implementing partners to deliver essential services to communities in Gaza. Together with the local workforce these efforts are restoring the first layers of safety, dignity and stability. Every repaired road, every litre of clean water delivered and every ton of rubble cleared reflects the determination of Gaza’s own people.
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