There is no room for wasting time in rebuilding devastated Gaza, UNOPS says

 Friday, February 14, 2025

Islamabad (Point news Today/ Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2025 ) The head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, has said that the 15-month-long war in Gaza has caused so much devastation that there is no time to waste in the rehabilitation of people.

He said that it will take years to clear the 40 million tons of debris in the area.

Although the ceasefire has helped provide large-scale aid, a mere temporary pause in the fighting is not enough. A permanent ceasefire is needed in Gaza and all hostages must be released without delay.

He said that although the ceasefire is still in place, there are risks of renewed fighting.

In these circumstances, the United Nations is trying to reach as many people as possible as soon as possible.

Massive fuel supply

Jorg da Silva said that UNOPS is playing a key role in providing aid to Gaza. Currently, 1.2 million liters of fuel are being supplied to the area daily, which are used to run hospitals, communication equipment and stoves.

He said that the provision of medical services in war-torn hospitals has been severely affected.

Doctors have been forced to perform surgeries without sedation, thousands of patients' wounds have deteriorated after surgery due to a lack of antibiotics, and many young children have died due to lack of electricity for incubators, while cancer patients' treatment has also been suspended for a year.

Debris removal issue

UNOPS is also working in the area to remove debris and destroy unexploded ordnance.

However, due to the widespread destruction, this work could take several years.

Jorge da Silva says the organization is committed to staying in Gaza and helping people. However, this goal can only be achieved if the rapid, unhindered and safe delivery of aid is ensured.

He says that the uncertainty surrounding reconstruction plans is compounded by fears that the fragile ceasefire in the region will end. Reconstruction, peace and stability require everyone to focus on efforts to avoid war.