Gaza Herald – Gaza is buried under more than 60 million tons of rubble, equivalent to around 3,000 cargo ships, UN official Jorge Moreira da Silva revealed after visiting the devastated territory. He warned that clearing the debris could take more than seven years.
The UN chief said the average person in Gaza is currently surrounded by about 30 tons of debris. Residents are facing extreme psychological stress, compounded by harsh winter weather and relentless heavy rains.
Children have been out of school for the third consecutive year, living under trauma and physical injuries that are increasingly difficult to heal. The UN official described the growing risk of a “lost generation” emerging from the devastation.
Despite these challenges, da Silva praised UN staff and partners who continue working under immense pressure to deliver essential services, restore energy, manage waste, and provide shelter. Their resilience, he said, is a testament to their commitment.
The UN is calling for immediate action: open all crossings, increase humanitarian aid, and allow “dual-use” materials essential for rebuilding water, healthcare, and education infrastructure. The second phase of the UN reconstruction plan, he stressed, must start now to prevent further catastrophe.
