The Asian Tribune
In the last two years, Gaza has suffered to such an extent that more than 80% of all buildings have been damaged.
Israel’s constant strikes has led to huge destruction. Over 90% homes were affected. The figure is even higher for schools. The constant strikes, had the worst impact on Gaza city, which turned into a land of debris.
In fact, power stations, water works, infrastructure ranging from roads to sanitation system, everything has been affected to such an extent that it will take a colossal task to rebuild Gaza.
International agencies, UN and other agencies’ reports clearly say that the level of destruction is such that Gaza got leveled and has been turned into a ghost town.
Estimates suggest that the number of deaths in Gaza due to the last two years of horrific strikes has been close to 1,00,000. Over 20% of them were children.
The estimates suggest that nearly 60% families have lost a person & the number of injured and people who lost limbs, reached a horrifying level. Children with disabilities and lifelong injuries show the extreme brutality of this war and the war crimes in Palestine.
Rebuilding is a huge challenge now. The long war has taken its toll on Gaza. It’ll take years to build. People hope that there will be no more attacks and no ceasefire violations now. World wars, the nuclear attacks on Japan and atrocities in colonial era in countries like Algeria, happened in last century.
But, Gaza, a small region, suffered so much, that too despite the world watching it in horror, live, day after day, for last two years, in this century, is a tragic event in human history and that can never be forgotten.
The role of section of media that tried to peddle lies in a bid to manipulate public opinion or get attention away from the horrific attacks, is also unforgettable. Brave journalists of Gaza, were killed while reporting truth from the midst of the conflict zones, but no such international solidarity was witnessed that should have been visible. This is also a shameful aspect of the Gaza tragedy.
DESTRUCTION, DEATHS AND DEBRIS: REBUILDING GAZA WILL TAKE SEVERAL YEARS
A region that has lost almost entire infrastructure, needs a huge financial push to build itself, back. From hospitals to homes, all the buildings, electricity and water supply, reconstructing the entire requires more than estimated $70 billion.
In fact, the removal of the debris and cleaning the region, is also a massive project. The cost can go up to over $120 billions. UN and agencies’ approximate figure gives an indication about the urgent need for restoration of the basic facilities in order to start the reconstruction of Gaza.
From water works to streets, entire Gaza city has to be raised from the dust, once again. International efforts would be required and assistance of Arab nations, along with countries all over the world, would be required. But, the loss of lives can never be compensated.
NOTE: The use of words like ‘affected’ and ‘destroyed’ must be understood properly. There are houses that are not left anymore, completely flattened, and then some houses that were badly damaged or harmed but have a bit remaining, especially, individual homes.
Hence, a report might inform you about 65% structures destroyed, but 80% affected. It is no discrepancy because naturally, the figure of affected or damaged would be higher as they also include partially damaged or those structures that have a part left.
