Gaza Faces 70 Million Tons of Rubble and 20,000 Unexploded Bombs: A Growing Humanitarian and Environmental Crisis
Gaza | October 17, 2025 | Deccan Live News Desk
Gaza’s Government Media Office has warned that the besieged territory is now facing one of the worst humanitarian and construction-related disasters in modern history. According to official estimates, more than 70 million tons of rubble have accumulated across Gaza as a result of Israel’s ongoing military assault. Adding to the danger, over 20,000 unexploded bombs and shells remain buried in the ground, threatening the lives of civilians and aid workers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the office revealed that by mid-October 2025, the destruction in Gaza had reached unprecedented levels, leaving behind between 65 to 70 million tons of debris from thousands of deliberately targeted homes, buildings, and key infrastructure.
“This aggression has transformed Gaza into a zone of total environmental and constructional devastation,” the statement read, highlighting that the scale of destruction is now severely hindering humanitarian aid, rescue operations, and relief efforts.
Debris Removal Blocked by Israeli Restrictions
Officials explained that clearing the rubble has become nearly impossible as Israel continues to prevent the entry of heavy machinery and construction equipment into Gaza. With all border crossings closed and strict restrictions in place, even essential tools and materials needed for recovering bodies or conducting cleanup cannot be brought in. This has deepened the already dire humanitarian tragedy.
The media office stressed that this grim reality places a moral and legal responsibility on the international community to pressure Israel into opening crossings and allowing debris removal to begin. Without urgent international intervention, officials warned, life in Gaza cannot be restored.
Unexploded Bombs Pose Deadly Risks
Adding to the crisis, initial estimates suggest that nearly 20,000 bombs and rockets dropped by Israeli forces remain unexploded. These hidden weapons pose an immediate danger to civilians and aid workers and require delicate engineering and security operations to neutralize before safe rebuilding can begin.
Call for a Comprehensive Recovery Plan
The office further emphasized the need for a comprehensive reconstruction strategy. This would include proper debris management, disposal of hazardous materials, the creation of temporary storage zones, and recycling of usable rubble. Officials said such steps are essential to gradually bring life back to Gaza after this unprecedented disaster.
Concluding its statement, Gaza’s Government Media Office held Israel fully responsible for the environmental and structural catastrophe imposed on the enclave. It urged the global community to act immediately to ensure safe debris clearance, defuse unexploded bombs, and pave the way for Gaza’s rebuilding process.
