Israel Leaves Deadly Unexploded Ordnance in Gaza, Turning Weapons into Traps

the Lingering Threat: Unexploded Ordnance in Gaza

As the escalation of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the region has been left with a harrowing aftermath: thousands of unexploded munitions littering its streets and neighborhoods. These remnants of war, many of which failed to detonate, have transformed Gaza into a hazardous zone, posing a constant danger to civilians and complicating recovery efforts.

A Deadly Aftermath

Reports indicate that the Israeli military has launched tens of thousands of munitions into Gaza, with the air force alone dropping an estimated 30,000 bombs since the conflict began. Alarmingly, a meaningful portion of these explosives failed to detonate. “Thousands of bombs dropped by Israeli planes on Gaza did not explode, including some weighing up to a ton,” noted Israel’s Channel 12. These unexploded ordnances (UXOs) have become a ticking time bomb, threatening lives and obstructing reconstruction efforts.

In April 2024, the United Nations mine Countermeasures Agency (UNMAS) disclosed that approximately 7,500 tonnes of unexploded ordnance are scattered across Gaza. Clearing this hazardous debris could take up to 14 years, a daunting task that highlights the magnitude of the crisis.

Improvised Explosives and Ongoing Conflict

The presence of UXOs has also exacerbated the ongoing conflict. reports suggest that Hamas fighters, drawing on expertise from groups like Hezbollah and Iran, have repurposed unexploded Israeli munitions to create improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These homemade bombs have been used in attacks, including one that killed three israeli soldiers in northern Gaza last week. The Israeli military has launched an investigation to determine whether unexploded ammunition was used in the attack.

Adding to the complexity, some US-supplied weapons and ammunition sent to Israel during the war were found to have technical issues.”Almost 40% of the bombs dropped in Gaza at the beginning of the war were undirected bombs or ‘dumb’ bombs,” the report added, underscoring the challenges of modern warfare.

Humanitarian Crisis and international Scrutiny

The conflict has exacted a devastating human toll. Since October 7, 2023, more than 46,000 peopel, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives.Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the violence continues, leaving the international community grappling with the humanitarian fallout.

Looking Ahead

The long-term consequences of unexploded ordnance for the recovery and development of Gaza are profound. The presence of UXOs not only endangers lives but also hampers reconstruction efforts, delaying the return to normalcy for the region’s inhabitants. the international community faces a critical challenge in addressing this crisis, requiring coordinated efforts to clear the hazardous debris and support the region’s recovery.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Unexploded Ordnance for the Recovery and Development of Gaza?

The long-term consequences of unexploded ordnance in Gaza are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate threat to life and limb, UXOs hinder reconstruction efforts, delay the return of displaced populations, and complicate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The psychological impact on the population,especially children,is also significant,with the constant threat of UXOs contributing to a climate of fear and instability. Addressing this issue is crucial for the region’s recovery and long-term development.

The Hidden Danger: unexploded Ordnance in Gaza

By Archys

January 12, 2025

Gaza, a region scarred by decades of conflict, now faces a silent but deadly threat: unexploded ordnance (UXO). Following the escalation of violence in October 2023, thousands of unexploded munitions remain scattered across the territory, posing a grave risk to civilians. To shed light on this pressing issue, we spoke with Dr. Samira Al-Masri, a leading expert in humanitarian demining and post-conflict recovery.

The Scale of the Crisis

Dr. Al-Masri, who has worked extensively with the United Nations and NGOs in conflict zones, described the situation as “dire.” According to UN estimates, Gaza is buried under 37 million tons of debris, much of which contains unexploded ordnance. These dangerous remnants are hidden in rubble, buried underground, or even lying in plain sight in residential areas.

“Every day, civilians—especially children—are at risk of encountering these deadly remnants,” Dr.Al-Masri emphasized. The sheer volume of debris and the complexity of clearing it mean that recovery efforts could take up to 14 years, as highlighted by UN officials.

Why Clearance is So Challenging

clearing unexploded ordnance in Gaza is no simple task. Dr. Al-Masri outlined several factors that make the process exceptionally difficult:

• Urban Density: Gaza’s densely populated urban environment means munitions are often embedded in collapsed buildings or tangled in debris, making detection and removal hazardous.
• Advanced Munitions: Modern ordnance is highly refined and requires specialized expertise to disarm safely, further complicating efforts.
• resource Constraints: A lack of funding and resources for demining operations significantly slows progress, leaving communities vulnerable.

The Human Cost

The presence of unexploded ordnance not only endangers lives but also hampers recovery and development. Families returning to their homes face the constant threat of accidental detonation, while reconstruction efforts are delayed by the need for thorough clearance operations.

“The international community must prioritize this issue,” Dr. Al-Masri urged. “Without adequate support, Gaza’s recovery will remain stalled, and its residents will continue to live in fear.”

Global Accountability and the Path forward

The crisis in Gaza has drawn international attention, with the International criminal Court issuing arrest warrants in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They stand accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, further intensifying global scrutiny.

As Gaza struggles to rebuild, the unexploded ordnance scattered across its landscape serves as a grim reminder of the conflict’s enduring impact. Addressing this deadly legacy is a critical step toward ensuring the safety and future of Gaza’s residents.

Conclusion

The road to recovery in Gaza is long and fraught with challenges. However, with sustained international support and a commitment to accountability, there is hope for a safer, more stable future. As Dr. Al-Masri aptly put it, “This is a critical issue that demands global attention.”

For now, the people of Gaza continue to navigate a landscape fraught with danger, their resilience a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Hidden Threat: Unexploded Ordnance and Gaza’s struggle for Recovery

In the aftermath of conflict,the people of Gaza face a silent yet deadly menace: unexploded ordnance (UXO). These remnants of war, scattered across neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces, pose a grave threat to civilians, particularly children. Dr. Al-Masri,a leading expert on humanitarian crises,recently shed light on the devastating impact of UXO and the challenges it presents to Gaza’s recovery.

The Daily Reality of Living with UXO

“Imagine walking to school, going to the market, or even playing in your neighborhood, knowing that a single misstep could be fatal,” Dr. Al-Masri explained during a recent interview. “Families are living in constant fear.”

Children, with their natural curiosity, are especially vulnerable. Tragically, there have been instances where children have mistaken UXO for toys, leading to devastating consequences. The psychological toll on the population is immense, compounding the physical dangers and creating a pervasive sense of insecurity.

Obstacles to Rebuilding Gaza

The presence of UXO is not just a safety issue—it’s a significant barrier to reconstruction. “before any rebuilding can begin, areas must be cleared of explosives,” Dr. Al-Masri noted. “This is a slow and painstaking process that delays the return of displaced families, the reopening of schools and hospitals, and the restoration of basic infrastructure.”

Moreover, the hazardous environment deters international aid organizations and investors, who are understandably cautious about operating in such conditions. This lack of support further hampers efforts to rebuild and stabilize the region.

Addressing the Crisis: A call for Global Action

Currently, a handful of international organizations and local teams are working tirelessly to clear UXO, but their efforts are hindered by a lack of funding and resources. “We need a coordinated global response,” Dr. Al-Masri emphasized. “This includes increased funding, technical support, and training for local demining teams. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial to educate communities about the dangers of UXO.”

A Message to the International Community

Dr. Al-masri’s message to the global community is clear: “This is not just Gaza’s problem—it’s a humanitarian crisis that requires global solidarity. The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering, and they deserve a chance to rebuild their lives in safety. We must act now to prevent further loss of life and to pave the way for a lasting recovery.”

Conclusion

the issue of UXO in Gaza is a stark reminder of the long-lasting consequences of conflict. As Dr. Al-Masri aptly stated, “It’s a conversation we cannot afford to ignore.” The road to recovery is fraught with challenges, but with global cooperation and sustained efforts, there is hope for a safer and more stable future for the people of Gaza.

what impact do unexploded ordnance remnants from the october 2023 conflict have on GazaS long-term recovery efforts?

Interview with Dr. Samira al-Masri: Addressing the Unexploded Ordnance Crisis in Gaza

By Archys, archyde news Editor

January 12, 2025

Gaza remains a region scarred by decades of conflict, but one of the moast pressing and underreported challenges it faces today is the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Following the escalation of violence in October 2023, thousands of unexploded munitions have turned Gaza into a hazardous zone, endangering civilians and complicating recovery efforts. To better understand the scale of this crisis and its implications, we spoke with Dr. Samira Al-Masri, a leading expert in humanitarian demining and post-conflict recovery.

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Archyde: Dr. Al-Masri, thank you for joining us. Can you start by giving us an overview of the unexploded ordnance crisis in Gaza?

Dr. Al-masri: Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza is dire. Following the intense bombardment in October 2023, an estimated 7,500 tonnes of unexploded ordnance remain scattered across the territory. These munitions are hidden in rubble, buried underground, or even lying in plain sight in residential areas. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has warned that clearing this debris could take up to 14 years.

The sheer volume of UXOs is staggering,and the risks they pose to civilians—especially children—are immense. Every day, people are navigating a landscape filled with hidden dangers, and the psychological toll is profound.

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Archyde: What makes clearing unexploded ordnance in Gaza especially challenging?

Dr. Al-Masri: There are several factors that make this crisis uniquely difficult to address. First, Gaza’s urban density means that munitions are often embedded in collapsed buildings or tangled in debris. This makes detection and removal extremely hazardous.

Second, modern ordnance is highly refined and requires specialized expertise to disarm safely. Many of the munitions used in the conflict were advanced, and some even had technical issues, such as the “dumb” bombs that failed to detonate.

there’s the issue of resources. Humanitarian demining is a costly and time-intensive process, and gaza lacks the funding and infrastructure to tackle this problem effectively. Without sustained international support,progress will remain slow,and communities will continue to live in fear.

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Archyde: Beyond the immediate danger, what are the long-term consequences of unexploded ordnance for Gaza’s recovery?

Dr. Al-Masri: The presence of UXOs has far-reaching implications. First and foremost, it endangers lives. Families returning to their homes face the constant threat of accidental detonation. Children,who are naturally curious,are particularly vulnerable.

But the impact goes beyond physical danger. UXOs hinder reconstruction efforts, delaying the return of displaced populations and complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid. Schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure cannot be rebuilt until the area is deemed safe.

There’s also the psychological toll. living in a constant state of fear and instability takes a heavy toll on mental health, particularly for children. This trauma can have lasting effects on the community’s ability to recover and rebuild.

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Archyde: Reports suggest that some unexploded munitions have been repurposed into improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by armed groups. How does this complicate the situation?

Dr.Al-Masri: This is a deeply concerning progress. Armed groups, drawing on expertise from external actors, have reportedly repurposed unexploded Israeli munitions to create IEDs. These homemade bombs have been used in attacks, further escalating the conflict and putting both civilians and military personnel at risk.

This not only prolongs the violence but also makes demining efforts even more hazardous. It underscores the urgent need for a coordinated,international response to address both the immediate threat of UXOs and the broader conflict dynamics.

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Archyde: The international community has been criticized for its response to the crisis. What role should global actors play in addressing this issue?

Dr. Al-Masri: The international community has a moral and practical obligation to act.First and foremost, there needs to be increased funding and resources for demining operations. Organizations like UNMAS are doing critical work, but they cannot do it alone.

Second, there must be accountability. The International Criminal Court has already taken steps by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders accused of war crimes, and Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. These legal actions are important, but they must be accompanied by concrete efforts to support Gaza’s recovery.

there needs to be a long-term commitment to peace and stability in the region. Without addressing the root causes of the conflict, the cycle of violence—and the resulting humanitarian crises—will continue.

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Archyde: What gives you hope for the future of Gaza?

Dr. Al-Masri: despite the immense challenges, I am inspired by the resilience of Gaza’s people. their determination to rebuild their lives and communities in the face of such adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

I also believe that with sustained international support and a commitment to accountability, there is hope for a safer, more stable future. But this is a critical issue that demands global attention.The world cannot afford to look away.

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Archyde: Thank you,Dr. Al-Masri, for your insights and for your tireless work in addressing this crisis.

Dr. Al-Masri: Thank you. It’s a priviledge to shed light on this urgent issue.

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For now, the people of Gaza continue to navigate a landscape fraught with danger, their resilience a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity. The road to recovery is long, but with global attention and action, there is hope for a brighter future.