Israel has agreed to a request from the United States to take over responsibility for clearing the vast amount of rubble covering the Gaza Strip after two years of fighting, Ynet News reported, citing a senior Israeli official. Israel has agreed in principle to take physical and financial responsibility for removing the debris, which is estimated to take years and could cost hundreds of millions of shekels.
According to the report, the U.S. sees clearing the rubble as the first step toward reconstructing the enclave according to Phase Two of the ceasefire agreement and aims to start rebuilding in the southern town of Rafah to showcase U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for reconstruction.
American officials said that Rafah is intended to serve as a pilot area designed to attract Gaza residents for employment and to build broader support for the reconstruction effort.Israel is expected to hire specialized companies to clear the debris, the report said. (Read More)