Gazans face 'silent killer' danger of unexploded Israeli munitions

Displaced residents return to find bombs, missiles and mines among the ruins of their homes

The remnants of munitions lie among the rubble in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, after the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Reuters

The sound of Israeli bombardments may have faded over Gaza, but another deadly threat lurks quietly beneath the rubble: unexploded bombs, missiles and landmines scattered across the devastated strip. They do not roar like fighter jets or howl like artillery shells, but they are equally lethal.

Authorities have documented about 20,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance across the small, densely populated Palestinian territory since Israel launched its military offensive two years ago, according to Ismail Al Thawabta, director of Gaza's Government Media Office.

“These remnants range from large missiles to buried landmines. They are a direct and deadly threat to residents, a silent killer waiting for the unsuspecting to come too close,” Mr Al Thawabta told The National.

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“Civil defence and explosives engineering teams have been martyred while attempting to defuse these missiles.”

Under a plan drawn up by Gaza's authorities, specialised teams are combing through destroyed neighbourhoods, marking danger zones and isolating explosives when possible.

Progress is painfully slow and hampered by the lack of proper tools because Israel, which controls Gaza's borders, “continues to obstruct the entry of necessary engineering equipment”, Mr Al Thawabta said.

At particular risk are children and emergency workers, who spend a lot of time in the rubble. A single touch, a shift in debris, or a temperature rise could trigger an explosion at any moment.

Since the start of the latest ceasefire on October 10, Gazans have been returning to what remains of their homes in areas vacated by Israel's military, including Gaza city, which was devastated in Israel's latest aerial and ground offensive in its drive to destroy Hamas.

In recent weeks alone, we have handled more than 100 cases of unexploded ordnance

Mahmoud Bassal,
Gaza civil defence spokesman

Gaza's civil defence says the risk of unexploded munitions is everywhere − in homes, schools and playgrounds.

“The danger is magnified because these bombs are embedded within residential areas where families are cleaning or rebuilding,” civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal told The National.

Many residents who stumble upon them are unaware of how to respond.

“In recent weeks alone, we have handled more than 100 cases of unexploded ordnance,” Mr Bassal said.

“But we simply cannot respond to all because we lack equipment and trained personnel. Many of our engineers were killed during the war, and we have not been able to replace them.”

Children play amid the rubble of Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza city. AFP

Most of the heavy machinery needed to extract missiles has been destroyed. “We are forced to work with minimal tools, which only increases the risk for our teams,” he said.

He urged civilians not to tamper with suspicious objects. “Do not touch, do not move, just mark the spot and call the civil defence immediately,” he said. “A single mistake could be fatal.”

Yahya Al Hajjar, a 30-year-old father of three from Al Saftawi neighbourhood in northern Gaza, returned to his house two days after the ceasefire went into effect, only to find a large unexploded missile lodged in his garden.

“The sight was terrifying,” he told The National. “I couldn’t go inside. I was afraid it might explode at any second.”

Gaza civil defence personnel search under rubble in Gaza city. Their work is hampered by a lack of equipment. Reuters

Mr Al Hajjar said he called the civil defence repeatedly, but they were overwhelmed by the number of such cases. “They told me they’re working on it and that my turn will come. But until then, we can’t go home.”

For now, he and his family remain displaced in central Gaza. “Going back would be like suicide,” Mr Al Hajjar said. “We’re waiting for them to dismantle the missile so we can finally return and rebuild our lives.”

Although Israel's attacks have largely ended as international mediators seek to make the current truce permanent, residents of Gaza cannot feel safe until these unexploded munitions are cleared.

“Every missile that didn’t explode is a time bomb, a continuation of the war by other means,” Mr Al Thawabta said.