Israel to Cover Costs of Debris Removal in Gaza Following U.S. Request
December 11, 2025501 VistasTiempo de lectura: 2 minutos
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Israeli sources have reported that Israel has agreed to cover the costs for debris removal and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, following a request from the United States. This decision paves the way for the next phase of the ceasefire agreement and initiates the reconstruction process.
The Extent of Destruction in Gaza
The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth stated that the U.S. urged Israel to take responsibility for clearing the debris accumulated over the past two years due to bombings and building demolitions. According to estimates from the United Nations Development Programme, the volume of debris is approximately 68 million tons, equivalent to the weight of 186 buildings the size of the Empire State Building. The cost of debris removal is expected to reach hundreds of millions of shekels, part of a broader reconstruction project estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Israel's Conditions and the Next Phase of Reconstruction
Israel has insisted that the next phase of reconstruction cannot proceed until the remains of Israeli prisoner Ron Gully are recovered. The Israeli government has provided intermediaries with information and aerial photographs to assist in locating him.
Caroline Levitt, a spokesperson for the White House, confirmed that efforts to recover the remains are ongoing. The U.S. administration aims to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase, which includes the establishment of a "Special Peace Council for Gaza" and a technocratic government to manage reconstruction at the appropriate time.
International Stabilization Force in Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to appoint an American general to lead the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is expected to be deployed in Gaza, starting operations from Rafah in early 2026. Countries such as Indonesia and Azerbaijan have expressed willingness to contribute troops, while others will provide training, funding, or equipment. However, Israel has expressed concerns about the ability of this force to independently dismantle Hamas's military capabilities, emphasizing that the Israeli military will still need to play a specific role.
U.S. Focus on Reconstruction
According to Israeli officials, it appears that the United States is prioritizing the reconstruction of Gaza over the disarmament of Hamas, raising concerns in Tel Aviv regarding the preservation of security and stability in the region.
The Extent of Destruction in Gaza
The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth stated that the U.S. urged Israel to take responsibility for clearing the debris accumulated over the past two years due to bombings and building demolitions. According to estimates from the United Nations Development Programme, the volume of debris is approximately 68 million tons, equivalent to the weight of 186 buildings the size of the Empire State Building. The cost of debris removal is expected to reach hundreds of millions of shekels, part of a broader reconstruction project estimated to cost billions of dollars.
Israel's Conditions and the Next Phase of Reconstruction
Israel has insisted that the next phase of reconstruction cannot proceed until the remains of Israeli prisoner Ron Gully are recovered. The Israeli government has provided intermediaries with information and aerial photographs to assist in locating him.
Caroline Levitt, a spokesperson for the White House, confirmed that efforts to recover the remains are ongoing. The U.S. administration aims to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase, which includes the establishment of a "Special Peace Council for Gaza" and a technocratic government to manage reconstruction at the appropriate time.
International Stabilization Force in Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to appoint an American general to lead the International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is expected to be deployed in Gaza, starting operations from Rafah in early 2026. Countries such as Indonesia and Azerbaijan have expressed willingness to contribute troops, while others will provide training, funding, or equipment. However, Israel has expressed concerns about the ability of this force to independently dismantle Hamas's military capabilities, emphasizing that the Israeli military will still need to play a specific role.
U.S. Focus on Reconstruction
According to Israeli officials, it appears that the United States is prioritizing the reconstruction of Gaza over the disarmament of Hamas, raising concerns in Tel Aviv regarding the preservation of security and stability in the region.
