Unexploded Bombs in Gaza: A Hidden Threat Amid Recovery
As Gaza struggles to recover from the latest conflict, a deadly invisible danger persists—unexploded Israeli bombs buried beneath the rubble. Civilians and rescue workers searching through destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools face the dual trauma of uncovering bodies while risking sudden explosions from undetonated ordnance. Experts warn that debris clearance could take decades, turning recovery into a deadly gamble.
The Scale of Destruction and Hidden Dangers
Gaza’s devastation is catastrophic, with the UN estimating 37 million tons of debris scattered across the strip. Beneath the ruins, an unknown number of unexploded bombs, shells, and missiles (UXO) remain active, posing lethal risks. These hidden explosives often blend into rubble, making detection nearly impossible without specialized tools.
Recent reports confirm civilians—including children—have been injured or killed while sifting through debris for belongings or missing loved ones.
Rescue Workers Face Life-Threatening Challenges
Mahmoud Al-Hadidi, a Gaza Civil Defense volunteer, describes the horror: “We found a body, then spotted an unexploded bomb inches away. Every step could be fatal.”
Humanitarian groups like the Red Cross and UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) warn that Gaza lacks resources to safely handle UXOs. Unlike other post-war zones, Gaza’s bomb disposal teams are underfunded and overwhelmed.
Children at High Risk of Accidental Detonations
With schools and playgrounds reduced to rubble, children often mistake unexploded devices for toys. UNICEF reports multiple cases of kids maimed or killed by UXOs.
Dr. Fadel Al-Naim, a trauma surgeon at Al-Shifa Hospital, shared: “A 9-year-old boy lost both legs after picking up a small bomb. These weapons keep killing long after wars end.”
Gaza’s Long Road to Recovery
Even with a ceasefire, recovery faces massive hurdles:
– 37 million tons of contaminated debris (asbestos, chemicals, human remains)
– No airstrike maps from Israel, slowing clearance efforts
– Blockades restrict equipment and funding, delaying reconstruction
The UN estimates 3+ years to clear rubble under ideal conditions—but Gaza’s reality is far from ideal.
Global Calls for Urgent Demining Support
Human rights organizations demand immediate action:
– Funding for demining operations
– Psychological aid for survivors
– Pressure on Israel to disclose bomb locations
“Every unexploded bomb is a ticking time bomb. Delays cost lives,” says Rasha Al-Madani of Human Rights Watch.
For Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, the war isn’t over—it’s lurking beneath their feet.
—NextMinuteNews
