Residents of Gaza City have launched a large-scale volunteer campaign to clean streets, clear debris and revive basic infrastructure after years of conflict, according to local municipal officials overseeing the initiative.
Dozens of volunteers gathered across rain-soaked neighbourhoods, equipped with brooms, shovels and tools as they worked to remove rubble and restore damaged public spaces. 
The campaign is being led by the Gaza Municipality in cooperation with the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture and the Palestinian NGO Network, described by the municipality as an effort to &ldquo;shine a light of hope&rdquo; and encourage community-driven recovery.
Hosny Muhanna, the municipality&rsquo;s public relations officer, said the initiative aims not only to clear streets but also to plant trees and &ldquo;restore beauty&rdquo; to areas impacted by the two-year conflict.
Gaza Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj, who joined the volunteers, said the participation of youth, elders, men, women and children sends a message that Palestinians remain steadfast in their land. 
&ldquo;Gaza is capable of life,&rdquo; he said.
Amjad al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network, called the campaign an early step in a longer reconstruction process, noting that the Gaza Strip still has around 60 million tons of rubble that must be cleared to rebuild the city &ldquo;better than it was.&rdquo;
Ayed Abu Ramadan of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce said Gaza continues to show resilience despite extensive destruction.
Among the volunteers, 30-year-old Ibrahim Hassan said he joined the effort because he believes Gaza&rsquo;s revival depends on its own people. 
&ldquo;Even if it takes generations,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;we must begin.&rdquo;
Volunteer Hanan Obeid, clearing garbage along one of the city&rsquo;s damaged streets, described participation as a civic duty and said residents must work quickly to restore Gaza&rsquo;s essential services.
The campaign comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis, with growing concerns about environmental and health risks as waste accumulates near shelters housing displaced residents. 
Alaa al-Batta, deputy head of the Union of Municipalities, warned that approximately 700,000 tons of waste currently surpass the capacity of temporary dumping sites, compounded by shortages of fuel and machinery needed for disposal.
Despite the challenges, municipal officials say the volunteer drive reflects a renewed sense of determination among residents to reclaim their city and rebuild their lives.
&mdash;IANS

Gazans join hands to clean their war-scarred city

Community-led cleanup drive brings hope as Gazans work to restore their war-hit city

Gaza Residents Launch Cleanup Drive

Community-led cleanup drive brings hope as Gazans work to restore their war-hit city

November 16, 2025 | 06:22 IST