Why demining the Gaza Strip could take decades | DW News

Key Concepts

• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO): Bombs, shells, grenades, and other explosive devices that have failed to detonate as intended.
• Yellow Line: A demarcation established by Israeli troops after withdrawing from population centers in Gaza, indicating areas they have vacated but which may still pose risks.
• United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS): An organization involved in locating, securing, and educating about explosive hazards.
• Halo Trust: A non-governmental organization (NGO) specializing in mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal.
• Density of Contamination: The concentration of unexploded ordnance in a given area.
• Density of Population: The number of people living in a given area.

Challenges of Return and Rebuilding in Gaza

Following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are attempting to return to their homes. However, this return is fraught with danger due to the extensive destruction and the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO). The primary obstacles are blocked roads due to rubble and the risk of detonation from unexploded Israeli bombs, which can be triggered by the slightest touch.

Risks Posed by Unexploded Ordnance

A significant concern is the pervasive presence of UXO. The assumption is that "every building, every pile of rubble, and pretty much any patch of land in Gaza to contain unexploded ordinance." This poses a severe threat to civilians attempting to navigate the devastated landscape. Tragically, hundreds have already been killed by these munitions.

Obstacles to Finding Loved Ones and Documenting the Situation

Beyond the physical dangers of UXO, other obstacles prevent people from reuniting with loved ones. One individual, speaking from a location east of Rafah, is unable to return to their home because it is now behind the "yellow line," a boundary established by Israeli troops after their withdrawal from population centers. This individual has lost their father and their brother, along with his wife and daughter, who have been trapped under rubble since November 2023.

The ability to document the ongoing crisis and its aftermath is severely hampered by restrictions on international journalists. Israel's refusal to grant full access to the strip prevents comprehensive reporting on the war and its consequences. Furthermore, the frequent power and internet outages in Gaza make communication and information gathering extremely difficult.

The Role of International Organizations and Local Capabilities

There is a critical need for international organizations to address the UXO problem, as local capabilities in Gaza are insufficient. "People they are not aware about the unexploded devices in other uh in some neighborhoods or some regions. It's very dangerous. It needs uh international organization to look for these uh uh ordinars and to explode it because we don't have like the tools. We don't have uh anything and the equipment to do that in in Gaza."

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been active in Gaza throughout the war, focusing on locating ordnance, securing areas for aid workers, and educating the population. However, they acknowledge that they "can't do it alone."

The Challenge of Density and Depth

The primary challenge for organizations like UNMAS and the Halo Trust is the "density of the contamination and the density of the population." This means that UXO is widespread, and people are living in close proximity to these hazards. "We deal with all of this these bombs with with a population that is is present and and close to the site. So, that's going to be the real challenge."

Some munitions are buried deep underground, potentially "four, five, six meters underground." Locating and safely disposing of these deeply buried bombs is a complex process. The methodology involves identifying entry points where bombs have penetrated buildings or floors, then digging shafts to reach them safely for disposal.

Future Efforts and Hope for Safer Return

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel is expected to gradually allow more bomb disposal squads into Gaza. This includes teams from the NGO Halo Trust, who aim to make the return home for Gazans safer by clearing explosive hazards. However, it is acknowledged that "some munitions may not be found for decades" and that "we won't necessarily get to all of them."

Conclusion

The return of Palestinians to Gaza is severely complicated by the widespread presence of unexploded ordnance and the destruction of infrastructure. The lack of local capacity to deal with these explosive hazards necessitates significant international intervention. The density of both contamination and population presents a formidable challenge, with some buried munitions potentially remaining undiscovered for decades. While efforts are underway by organizations like UNMAS and the Halo Trust, and with the prospect of increased international bomb disposal teams under the ceasefire, the path to a safe return and rebuilding remains perilous and long-term.