GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Gaza Rights Center (GRC) has warned of escalating dangers from thousands of unexploded ordnance littering the Gaza Strip after 29 months of Israeli attacks.
This came in a statement released by GRC on the “International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action,” which is observed annually on April 4.
“These remnants of war have become a direct daily threat to civilians’ lives and severely obstruct relief and reconstruction efforts,” GRC said.
“The scale of heavy bombardment during the Israeli military aggression has left behind vast quantities of undetonated projectiles, missiles, and explosives, with many remaining buried under the rubble of destroyed homes, scattered across streets, farmland, and residential areas, making any civilian movement fraught with danger,” GRC explained.
GRC pointed to the occurrence of repeated explosion incidents in Gaza after residents attempted to clear debris or inspect their destroyed homes, resulting in casualties and serious injuries, including among children.
GRC stressed that “this ongoing reality in Gaza effectively prolongs the impacts of the aggression and entrenches an unsafe environment that hinders the return to normal life.”
Palestinian estimates indicate that between 65 and 70 million tons of rubble have accumulated from the destruction of thousands of homes, facilities, and vital infrastructure.
Among this vast debris lie over 20,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance, roughly 71,000 tons of explosives and remnants. Palestinian officials in Gaza describe them as “ticking time bombs.”
These estimated figures are especially alarming given Gaza’s small geographic area and the concentration of its population in narrow zones due to forced displacement and widespread destruction.
Gaza’s health ministry reports that seven people, including five children, have been killed and 49 others injured by explosions from unexploded ordnance. However, officials assert that these figures are not final, as many cases, particularly injuries, remain undocumented. Other estimates suggest that more than 400 people have been wounded by remnants of war across Gaza.
