Gaza's Destruction Compared To WWII Devastation

The New York Post reported that, following controversial statements by U.S. President Donald trump regarding the takeover of Gaza, the scale of devastation in Gaza can only be compared to cities that were leveled during World War II.

The report, published on Wednesday, February 5, cited the United Nations and the World Bank, stating that 69% of Gaza's buildings, including over 245,000 homes, were destroyed during 15 months of bombings. It is estimated that the damage in the first four months of the war alone amounted to $18.5 billion.

According to the report, nearly two million Palestinians in Gaza, including those in refugee camps and overcrowded shelters, will return home after a ceasefire agreement. However, after 15 months of brutal warfare, they will find that nothing remains of their homes and neighborhoods except ashes and rubble.

Experts say that the level of destruction in Gaza can only be compared to cities destroyed during World War II. Van den Hoek, a professor at the University of Oregon, told The Washington Post,“The level of bombing in the north is unprecedented. There is no precedent for the speed of damage we have seen.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also described the scale of destruction in Gaza as the“worst devastation” he had seen. Estimates suggest that even with 100 trucks working full-time, clearing the rubble will take over 15 years. Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to the Middle East, also stated that rebuilding Gaza's war devastation will take between 10 and 15 years.

Trump's remarks made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday further intensified global reactions. Trump stated,“We will take control of Gaza and act decisively,” and also suggested that Palestinians should settle elsewhere while the U.S. would oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. These remarks have sparked widespread international criticism.

The ongoing situation in Gaza remains a focal point of global debate, especially regarding the long-term humanitarian impact and the feasibility of reconstruction. Given the scale of the damage, it is unlikely that the rebuilding process will be quick or easy, requiring significant international cooperation and long-term commitment.

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