GAZA CITY: Gaza faces a daunting reconstruction challenge as the United Nations warns that rebuilding efforts could span 80 years due to extensive devastation. The region has experienced unprecedented destruction since last October, leaving a vast majority of homes in ruins and raising concerns over environmental contamination, according to a United Nations official. According to Emirates News Agency, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, reported that as of January 2024, between 60 percent and 70 percent of homes in Gaza had been destroyed, with northern Gaza experiencing even more severe damage. Rajagopal stated that the current situation has deteriorated further, with destruction in the northern region nearing totality. Rajagopal referenced a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report revealing that over 39 million tonnes of debris littered Gaza as of May this year. The debris poses a significant hazard as it includes unexploded ordnance, toxic waste, asbestos, and other dangerous materials. The environmental impact is severe, with groundwater and soil contamination reaching catastrophic levels, further complicating rebuilding efforts. The reconstruction process in Gaza is projected to extend over eight decades, presenting a critical challenge for regional stability and the well-being of its residents. Efforts to address the contamination and clear the debris must be prioritized to expedite the restoration of habitable conditions.