It will take at least 14 years to remove the millions of tons of debris from Gaza

Palestinians – including children – inspect the ruins of buildings bombed by Israel in the city of Rafah – Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib / Anadolu / AFP

Our news summary of Friday’s events in the Middle East conflict.

• The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shelled the town of Rafah throughout the morning as they work to establish a buffer zone that bisects the Gaza Strip, which makes up roughly 16 percent of the region. According to an Al Jazeera reporter, the IDF is focusing on central Gaza, where several refugee camps are located. (Al Jazeera)
• According to Pehr Lodhammar, head of the UN Mines Division, 37 million tons of debris are covering the Gaza Strip due to Israeli attacks. It will take at least 14 years to clear this with 100 trucks, because it may be full of unexploded bombs. (Al Jazeera)
• Anti-government demonstrators marched to the home of Defense Minister Benny Gantz, where they demanded his resignation and that the government reach an agreement with Hamas on the release of the hostages kidnapped on October 7. Two protesters were arrested by the police. (Times of Israel)
• US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said protests on US campuses are part of democracy, but criticized the demonstrators for not condemning the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas. Regardless, he considers it one of his country’s strengths that people can freely voice their opinions. Meanwhile, the demonstrations were dispersed by the police at several universities – some with shockwaves, the deployment of mounted police and chemical methods – and several people were arrested, including teachers.

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