DaysofPal- The Gaza Center for Human Rights has warned of escalating dangers caused by the widespread presence of unexploded ordnance across the Gaza Strip, following nearly 29 months of ongoing military attacks. The group said these remnants of war have become a daily and direct threat to civilian lives and are severely hindering relief and reconstruction efforts.
In a statement issued on Saturday to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness on April 4, the organization said the scale of heavy bombardment has left behind vast quantities of shells, missiles, and explosive materials that failed to detonate. These items are now buried under the rubble of destroyed homes, within streets, and across agricultural lands. Any movement by residents now carries a high risk of death or permanent injury.
The statement noted repeated incidents of explosions occurring while residents attempt to clear debris or inspect their damaged homes. These incidents have resulted in deaths and serious injuries, including among children. The group stressed that this situation prolongs the effects of the conflict and creates an unsafe environment that obstructs any return to normal life.
Staggering Statistics and Time Bombs
Estimates indicate that between 65 and 70 million tons of rubble have accumulated from the destruction of thousands of homes and vital facilities. Within this debris, around 71,000 tons of explosive remnants are believed to remain, including more than 20,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance. These materials pose a constant and unpredictable danger, especially given the dense population and limited space in the territory.
According to data from Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least seven people, including five children, have been killed by explosions involving unexploded ordnance during the war, while 49 others have been injured. The group noted that these figures are likely incomplete due to challenges in documentation, with other estimates suggesting more than 400 injuries.
The organization emphasized that the presence of such explosives in populated civilian areas constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which obligates parties to conflict to minimize harm to civilians and address the dangers posed by remnants of war after hostilities.
It also highlighted the limited local capacity to deal with the scale of the threat, pointing to shortages of specialized equipment and technical expertise. Such a situation increases the risks faced by civil defense teams and humanitarian workers operating on the ground.
The Gaza Center for Human Rights called on the international community to take urgent action by deploying specialized teams to assess and safely neutralize unexploded ordnance. It also urged the entry of necessary equipment without restrictions and called for the release of information regarding the types and locations of munitions used.
In addition, the group stressed the importance of launching widespread public awareness campaigns about the dangers of suspicious objects, particularly targeting children, to reduce further casualties.
The statement concluded by stating that protecting civilians does not end with a ceasefire, warning that leaving thousands of explosive remnants untreated continues to threaten lives and undermines any real chance for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.
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