Tens of Thousands of Unexploded Israeli Bombs Endanger Gaza Residents Amid Debris Clearance

The Gaza Strip faces an ongoing and deadly threat from unexploded Israeli bombs scattered beneath the rubble following recent conflicts, turning the area into a perilous minefield for residents, especially children. Despite a fragile ceasefire, incidents involving unexploded ordnance (UXO) have resulted in severe injuries to children who mistakenly mistook these remnants for toys or useful items. The clearance and rebuilding efforts in Gaza are severely hampered by Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery, with equipment prioritized for recovering the remains of Israeli captives rather than aiding Palestinians buried under rubble. Experts warn that clearing these hidden bombs could take decades, with the United Nations estimating over 90 percent of residential buildings are damaged or destroyed, and recovery costs reaching $70 billion. Aid agencies face challenges importing specialized equipment and necessary permits to safely remove or destroy these explosives, exacerbating risks to returning families. Additionally, reports warn of deceptive explosive devices disguised as food cans, which pose further dangers to civilians amid severe food shortages in Gaza.