Mr. De Croo, on his first overseas visit since assuming office in November 2025, emphasized the need to enhance access to Gaza for UN agencies to aid in clearing debris, providing shelter and medical supplies, and evacuating patients.
On Monday, Mr. De Croo toured Firas Market in Gaza City, where about 370,000 tonnes of waste had accumulated during the two-year conflict, as waste management and sewage systems failed, turning it into a vast landfill.
‘It will take us seven years to remove all the rubble’
UNDP bulldozers began clearing the waste last week, bringing hope to Palestinians, with the goal of restoring the market as an economic center. The UN agency is also involved in addressing shelter, basic services, and educational and health needs.
Speaking from Jerusalem after his three-day visit to Gaza and the West Bank, Mr. De Croo, formerly Belgium’s Minister for Development, described the living conditions as the worst he had witnessed, noting that only 0.5% of Gaza’s rubble has been cleared so far.
“At this rate, it will take seven years to clear all the rubble,” he stated. “We need more capacity for rubble removal and recycling. Currently, 90% of Gaza’s population lives amidst this dangerous rubble.”
Most Gazans are still in makeshift tents, which UNDP is replacing with recovery housing units. While 4,000 units are ready, up to 300,000 are needed for the populace.
“We recognize the security concerns of the Israeli authorities,” said Mr. De Croo, “but this should not justify denying access to organizations like UNDP, other UN bodies, and international NGOs.”
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