The Gaza Strip, already devastated by war, remains littered with explosive remnants. The UN says the dangers are daily and will remain for many years.
Grenades, bombs and bullets are scattered throughout the enclave. The situation deteriorated after the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out on 7 October 2023.
The UNMAS agency records over 1,000 deaths due to these munitions. The number is estimated to be higher. The head of the service in the Palestinian territories, Julius van der Walt, notes that about half of the victims are children.
For its part, the organization Save the Children highlights the heavy toll on minors. According to its report, some 475 children each month are left disabled by explosions. Many of them will live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.
Today, Gaza has the largest number of mutilated children in the world.
UNMAS does not have a complete picture of the problem. However, the data shows a high concentration of explosives. Over 1,000 munitions have been detected in missions over the past two and a half years, about one every 600 meters. And that’s just what has been found.
The problem is compounded by extreme population density. Before the war, the area had about 6,000 inhabitants per square kilometre. Today, the available space has been halved, increasing overcrowding.
Explosives are even being found in refugee camps. In a recent incident, they were found inside a tent where displaced people were staying. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid missions are at risk of detonating explosives during their movement.
And the cost to remove and neutralize the munitions is estimated at about $514 million, assuming conditions.
Despite efforts, a full accounting is considered difficult, especially within the rubble. The UN warns that explosives will continue to pose a threat for decades.
As an example, it cites bombs from World War II that are still being found today on projects in Britain. A similar situation is expected in Gaza.
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