Urgent Hazard: Unexploded Israeli Bombs Lurk, Threatening More Lives

Gaza (Quds News Network)- International demining experts are preparing for an imminent disaster due to the large quantity of unexploded ordnance buried under the rubble in Gaza. The Israeli army’s bombardment left significant amounts of unexploded bombs and shells among the debris.

French newspaper ‘Libération’ reports that the Israeli assault on over 40,000 targets in Gaza has resulted in approximately 39 million tons of rubble in an area spanning only 41 kilometers. This raises serious concerns about the potential number of unexploded bombs buried beneath the rubble.

According to the report, typically, one in ten conventional bombs does not detonate. With the ongoing genocide and repeated displacements of Palestinians, the risk of accidents and explosions from these unexploded ordnance increases, particularly when returning to previously targeted areas. Experts warn that each layer of debris could conceal unseen, unexploded ordnance.

The threat is not limited to deadly explosions. Health and environmental concerns are also significant, with around 800,000 tons of asbestos, thousands of bodies, and various toxic, organic, and chemical materials buried under the rubble. Many hospitals have been affected, potentially housing radioactive equipment and biological hazards beneath the debris.

Previous reports highlighted thousands of unexploded shells and missiles in Gaza, posing a long-term danger to the population. UN estimates indicate that 10% of the ordnance dropped by the Israeli military in Gaza did not explode, leaving over 75,000 tons of explosives scattered across streets, land, homes, and under rubble.

The Government Media Office has warned about recurring incidents of explosions in homes, particularly from canisters designed to deceive and harm civilians, including children. There have been numerous injuries from such devices.

Calls have been made for the international community to deploy specialized engineering teams and explosive experts, and to equip local authorities with the necessary technical resources to manage and remove these hazards.

Danish newspaper ‘Information’ reported that in the first three months of the Gaza conflict, around 45,000 bombs were dropped, averaging 500 bombs per day or 21 bombs per hour. This extensive bombing has damaged or destroyed 50-62% of all buildings in Gaza, according to a study by New York University in collaboration with the University of Oregon. The newspaper warned of severe long-term consequences due to the thousands of unexploded bombs, impacting Palestinians’ recovery efforts after the war.

Unexploded bombs present a significant challenge to Gaza’s economy and future. The demining process will be lengthy and could hinder reconstruction efforts due to safety concerns, particularly in densely populated areas.

The report noted that over 14% of bombs dropped in Gaza remain unexploded, far exceeding earlier estimates of about 6,300 bombs and missiles in the first three months of the conflict.

The presence of numerous unexploded bombs forces residents to live as if the war is ongoing, even after the initial trauma subsides. Experts emphasize the urgent need for international intervention to help Palestinians clear Gaza of these dangerous remnants left by the Israeli conflict.