The Unexploded Bombs of Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis

 

The Unexploded Bombs of Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis

The Gaza Strip remains a perilous terrain, littered with unexploded ordnance from tens of thousands of Israeli air strikes, which have rendered the region "uninhabitable," as stated by the U.S. government. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the presence of these lethal remnants, leaving residents in a constant state of fear and vulnerability.

Amid escalating tensions in the region, U.S. President Donald Trump had previously suggested that the United States take charge of Gaza's reconstruction, envisioning it as the "Riviera of the Middle East." However, the task of clearing unexploded munitions poses an enormous challenge, as the fallout from the conflict continues to accumulate.

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With Israeli bombardments resuming in March following a failed ceasefire in January, the United Nations reported that these operations had displaced or affected two-thirds of the enclave's population. By October 2024, Israeli military officials claimed to have conducted over 40,000 air strikes on Gaza, while the U.N. Mine Action Service estimates that between 10% and 5% of the bombs dropped did not detonate.

The remnants of these strikes contribute to over 50 million tons of rubble, making cleanup efforts exceptionally difficult in the densely populated area that is smaller than the State of Rhode Island. Humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the civilian casualties occurring as a direct result of unexploded ordnance. Since the onset of the current conflict on October 7, 2023, at least 23 people have been killed and 162 injured by discarded munitions, with many more cases likely unreported due to a lack of awareness on how to report such incidents.

Although Hamas has indicated a willingness to cooperate with international efforts to remove unexploded bombs, clearing efforts have been stymied by restrictions from Israel, which limits the import of equipment that could aid demining operations. Throughout a significant portion of 2023, Israeli authorities rejected requests to import over 20 types of essential demining equipment, including armored vehicles and demolition materials.

Under the 1907 Hague Convention, Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to aid in the removal of war remnants that pose a threat to civilian safety—a responsibility that the U.N. human rights office argues Israel must uphold as a binding customary law. However, this obligation remains unfulfilled amidst the ongoing conflict.

The extent of unexploded ordnance remains challenging to gauge, as there has been no comprehensive survey. Experts warn that many bombs may be concealed in rubble or buried deep underground, potentially complicating clearance efforts for years to come.

The situation is dire; Gaza's own cleanup efforts have proven dangerous. Alaa Abu Jmeiza, a bulldozer driver, suffered injuries and lost sight in one eye after striking a concealed bomb while clearing a street. Incidents like this underline the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing conflict.

There are grave concerns about the types of munitions used in the conflict, including U.S.-made Mark 84 bombs, known for their destructive capacity. Their detonation could create vast craters and deliver lethal shrapnel over extensive areas, especially in Gaza’s densely populated landscape.

Residents like Hani Al Abadlah face agonizing decisions as they return to their homes. Al Abadlah discovered an unidentified bomb lodged deep in the sand of his home, causing his family to refuse a return due to safety concerns. This persistent danger forces families to endure challenging living conditions while grappling with the omnipresent threat of unexploded ordnance.

In light of these challenges, experts emphasize that without coordinated international assistance, residents will continue to live amid danger, uncertain of what lies beneath the rubble they navigate daily. The humanitarian situation in Gaza demands urgent attention and resolution, as the community seeks stability in an environment fraught with peril.