UN estimates Gaza mine clearance to cost over $500 million

The United Nations has said that clearing unexploded ordnance in the Gaza Strip will cost an estimated $541 million, underscoring a major obstacle to post-conflict reconstruction.

The figure was provided by Julius van der Walt, head of the UN mine action programme in the occupied Palestinian territories, during a briefing in Geneva, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Van der Walt warned that unexploded munitions pose a persistent threat to civilians and are significantly delaying efforts to rebuild the enclave.

“In Gaza alone, we require approximately $541 million to address the threat posed by unexploded ordnance,” he said.

He added that since the start of the conflict, such munitions have caused more than 1,000 deaths, the majority of them children. UN assessments suggest that hazardous items may be found on average every 600 metres across the territory.