Gaza Faces 14-Year Task to Clear Unexploded Bombs, UN Says
GAZA — The daunting task of clearing Gaza from unexploded bombs left behind by the war could take up to 14 years, according to UN demining experts.
Pehr Lodhammar, a senior officer from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), revealed that an estimated 37 million tons of debris litter the area.
Due to the intense Israeli bombardment that reduced once bustling neighborhoods to rubble, it is challenging to determine the exact amount of unexploded ordnance in the enclave.
Every square meter in Gaza affected by the conflict is filled with around 200 kilograms of rubble, as shared by the veteran UN demining expert during a press briefing in Geneva.
“At least 10 percent of the ammunition fails to function…with 100 trucks, we’re looking at a 14-year timeline to clear the debris using about 750,000 person workdays,” Lodhammar stated.
As world leaders called for the release of hostages taken during the Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel, the situation in Gaza remains dire. More than 34,350 Palestinians have lost their lives, with over 77,360 wounded since the conflict began.
With famine looming in the northern Gaza Strip, UN humanitarian agencies are urgently seeking increased aid relief for the enclave.
Despite Israel’s pledge to improve aid access through specified border crossings, the volume and diversity of aid reaching Gaza remain insufficient, warned Carl Skau, WFP deputy executive director.
Amidst concerns of escalating violence in eastern Rafah and potential ground invasions, efforts to establish a marine corridor for humanitarian aid face challenges.
Appeals for safe passage for a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza have been made by top rights experts, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law.
Looking back at the interception and attack on the “Freedom Flotilla” in 2010, where 10 passengers lost their lives, the need for safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid remains crucial.
As Gaza continues to navigate through this humanitarian crisis, international cooperation and support are essential for the region’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.
