
Introduction
Since October 2023, the residents of Gaza have endured a relentless and devastating conflict that has left the small, densely populated territory in ruins. The massive bombardments over the past five months have obliterated entire neighborhoods, turning once-thriving communities into fields of rubble. Homes, schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving behind a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions. As the world begins to contemplate the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza, a deadly and persistent threat looms large: unexploded bombs, missiles, and other munitions.
The Catastrophic Impact of War on Gaza
The reconstruction of Gaza, an endeavor that could cost tens of billions of dollars, will be severely hampered by the presence of these unexploded ordnances (UXOs). The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has issued stark warnings about the extraordinary volume of explosive remnants of war that now contaminate civilian areas, including residential zones. These remnants not only pose a significant risk to the lives of Gaza’s residents but also threaten to impede the safe delivery of emergency and humanitarian assistance, further complicating efforts to rebuild and restore the territory.
A History of Conflict and Contamination
Gaza’s history is marred by repeated cycles of conflict, each leaving behind a dangerous legacy of unexploded ordnance. Since the establishment of Israel in 1948, Gaza has been at the center of numerous military confrontations. The Six-Day War in 1967, the First and Second Intifadas, and multiple large-scale military operations in recent decades have all contributed to the accumulation of UXOs in the territory. These remnants of war have continued to pose a threat to the civilian population long after the cessation of hostilities, with children and adults alike falling victim to accidental detonations.
The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with nearly 2 million people living in a 365 square kilometer strip of land. This high population density means that even small amounts of unexploded ordnance can have devastating consequences. Over the years, international organizations, including UNMAS, have worked tirelessly to clear these dangerous remnants, but the sheer volume of munitions used in recent conflicts has made the task increasingly challenging.
The Unseen Dangers: Unexploded Ordnance
Unexploded ordnance includes bombs, missiles, grenades, and other types of munitions that failed to detonate upon impact. These remnants can remain active for years, even decades, posing a constant threat to anyone who comes into contact with them. In conflict zones like Gaza, UXOs are often found buried in the rubble of destroyed buildings, scattered across fields, or hidden in residential areas, making them difficult to detect and remove.
The process of clearing UXOs is painstakingly slow and dangerous. It requires specialized equipment and highly trained personnel to identify, disarm, and safely remove these devices. In many cases, the ordnance is too unstable to move and must be detonated in place, which can further damage the surrounding environment and infrastructure. The risks involved in UXO clearance are immense, with even the most experienced teams facing the possibility of injury or death during operations.
The Aftermath of October 2023: A New Era of Contamination
The conflict that erupted in October 2023 has dramatically increased the scale of the UXO problem in Gaza. According to Mungo Birch, the Chief of UNMAS in Palestine, the recent hostilities have undone all of the progress that his team had made in previous years. The intensity and duration of the bombardments have left Gaza more contaminated than ever before, with entire neighborhoods now littered with unexploded munitions.
Birch’s statement underscores the gravity of the situation: “An extraordinary volume of explosive remnants of war is expected to contaminate civilian areas including residential areas, threaten lives, and impede the safe delivery of emergency and humanitarian assistance.” The implications of this are far-reaching. Not only does the presence of UXOs endanger the lives of Gaza’s residents, but it also hinders the efforts of humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and support to those in need.
The contamination of residential areas is particularly concerning. In many cases, families returning to their homes after the conflict will unknowingly expose themselves to UXOs hidden in the debris. Children, in particular, are at high risk, as they may come across unexploded devices while playing or scavenging for materials in the rubble. The psychological toll of living in constant fear of UXOs cannot be overstated, as it adds yet another layer of trauma to a population already devastated by war.
The Challenges of Reconstruction
Rebuilding Gaza will be a monumental task, made even more difficult by the presence of unexploded ordnance. The cost of reconstruction is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars, covering the rebuilding of homes, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure such as water and electricity networks. However, before any meaningful reconstruction can begin, the UXOs must be cleared—a process that could take years, if not decades.
The task is further complicated by the ongoing blockade of Gaza, which restricts the movement of goods and people into and out of the territory. The importation of the necessary equipment and materials for UXO clearance, as well as the training and deployment of specialized personnel, will require significant international cooperation and support. Without these resources, the clearance process will be severely delayed, prolonging the suffering of Gaza’s residents and delaying their return to a semblance of normal life.
A Call for International Assistance
The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing the UXO crisis in Gaza. Beyond financial aid for reconstruction, there is an urgent need for technical expertise, equipment, and training to support the clearance of unexploded ordnance. Countries with experience in UXO removal, such as those that have dealt with similar issues in post-conflict zones like Vietnam and Laos, could provide valuable assistance in this regard.
Moreover, the situation in Gaza highlights the need for a broader discussion on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The devastating impact of such weapons on civilian populations and the long-term consequences of UXO contamination must be addressed at the international level. Stronger legal frameworks and greater accountability for the use of these weapons could help to prevent similar crises in the future.
The Long Road Ahead
The road to recovery for Gaza is long and fraught with challenges. The presence of unexploded ordnance is a stark reminder of the lasting scars that conflict leaves behind, threatening lives and complicating the path to reconstruction. While the world grapples with the immediate humanitarian crisis, it is crucial not to lose sight of the need for sustained efforts to clear UXOs and rebuild the territory.
Conclusion
For the people of Gaza, the horrors of war did not end with the last bomb that fell. The remnants of that war will continue to cast a shadow over their lives for years to come. Addressing this issue requires not only resources and expertise but also a renewed commitment to peace and justice in a region that has known too little of either.