Gaza Rebuilds: From Rubble to Homes Amidst Blockade

Gaza's construction sector has been revolutionized by necessity, as residents are now processing ruins into usable cement due to Israeli import restrictions. Since October 2023, Israel has barred cement and other building materials, exacerbating a blockade in place since 2007. This has led to the creation of an improvised industry where rubble from bombed structures is ground into powder, mixed with binding agents, and sold as a construction material.

The health risks associated with inhaling the dust are significant, yet for many Gazans, it represents the only option for rebuilding. Saadi al-Sha'er, an entrepreneur in this field, collects fused clay and cement dust from destroyed factories and warehouses. This material, along with reformulated pre-war cement, is processed and sold at prices far exceeding pre-war costs, making it accessible only to a few.

Despite the limitations in strength and long-term reliability, this recycled cement is being used for basic structures and finishing work. Civil engineers confirm its use for plastering and tiling but warn against its use in critical structural components like columns. The scale of destruction is staggering, with UN estimates suggesting 61 million tonnes of rubble generated and a recovery cost reaching $71.4 billion over ten years.