Palestine – UNRWA begins rebuilding Gaza homes destroyed in May war with Israel

Location: Gaza – Palestine

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:05:30

Sound: Natural

Source: A24 Gaza, Palestine

Restrictions: A24 subscribers

Date: 28/05/2022

Storyline:

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said it has begun the first phase of building 170 houses in the Gaza Strip totally destroyed during Israel’s last year war on the Gaza Strip.

Melina Shaheen, director of the Information Office in the Gaza Strip, told A24 News Agency that 100 destroyed or damaged homes will be rebuilt next week in the second phase of work.

She added that the reconstruction is a top priority for the UNRWA to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian People.

However, delayed rebuilding efforts in Gaza have frustrated locals, with many still living in temporary accommodation, a year after the end of fierce fighting

The United Nations has said nearly 1,750 homes were destroyed or partially damaged, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians.  

-Shotlist

-Soundbite (Abu Sayyaf Al-Ghura – Owner of damaged house not included in the reconstruction):

“I have four families that were dispersed and living in different places. I have three houses in different areas that were destroyed. We used to see each other daily but not anymore. We hope the reconstruction finishes quickly so we can complete the transactions and reunite again.”

-Soundbite (Abu Mohammad Al-Attar – Owner of damaged house included in the reconstruction):

“We are exhausted mentally and physically. My family is dispersed and we are all facing difficulties including long daily commutes to the clinic or school. We were desperately waiting for the reconstruction to start, now it is 90% complete. When the house was destroyed, we felt despair. We will feel alive again once we return to our home.”

-Soundbite (Milina Shahin – Head of UNRWA Gaza Public Information Office):

“UNRWA is currently rebuilding one hundred and seventy houses that were destroyed during the conflict in May last year. Next week, payments will be made to one hundred new houses, bringing the total to two hundred and seventy houses included in the first and second stages of reconstruction. The reconstruction is of the utmost importance and a priority for UNRWA. The UNRWA office has been paying rent allowances to the families who left their homes after they were destroyed last year. We will continue to pay them rent allowances until they return to their homes.”