Gaza Palestinians Make Cement From 61 Million Tonnes of Rubble as Israel Bars Building Materials
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 18
Gaza Palestinians Make Cement From 61 Million Tonnes of Rubble as Israel Bars Building Materials
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 18
Khan Younis workers are grinding bomb debris into improvised cement, creating Gaza’s only active construction supply as families seek something sturdier than tents.
Israel has barred cement and other building materials since October 2023, even though the October 2025 ceasefire called for reconstruction supplies to resume.
81% of Gaza’s structures had been damaged by October 2025 and more than 123,000 destroyed, leaving 61 million tonnes of rubble and a $71.4 billion recovery bill.
Saadi al-Sha’er’s operation produces 0.5 to 2 tonnes a day and employs about 30 people, but the substitute is weak, used mainly for plastering, tiling and basic wall repair.
A bag now costs about 2,000 shekels versus 40 before the war, and engineers say current output covers less than one-thousandth of Gaza’s temporary finishing needs.
With a $71 billion recovery plan and a peace deal, why are Gazans still building homes from toxic rubble?
Gaza is being rebuilt with its own ruins. Is this innovative resilience or a foundation for future disaster?
Rebuilding Gaza: Innovative Rubble Recycling Amidst 57.5 Million Tons of Debris and Humanitarian Crisis
Overview
After a brutal two-year conflict, Gaza faces an unprecedented scale of destruction, with up to 92 percent of its territory and 80 percent of buildings destroyed. This has left 57.5 million tons of rubble blocking roads and public spaces, creating both a massive challenge and a unique opportunity for reconstruction. The devastation has wiped out homes, infrastructure, and public institutions, making sustainable and cost-effective rebuilding solutions essential. Amidst these difficulties, the need to manage debris safely and efficiently is urgent, as it is the first step toward restoring daily life and supporting Gaza’s long-term recovery.