Everyone in Gaza Lives in a Horrific, Unmapped Minefield

Total devastation across Gaza

More than 90% of homes are estimated to be damaged or destroyed; healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene systems have collapsed. Essential infrastructure has been annihilated, roads are impassable, electricity is shattered, water systems are in ruins, and nearly all hospitals are non-functional. 

Destruction is Absolute

The exact level of contamination is difficult to estimate. Still, it is expected to be substantial, based on the massive level of destruction caused by explosive weapons and knowing that a percentage of ordnance fails to function as designed, as well as abandoned or stored ordnance that may be found, combined with the sheer intensity of fighting on the ground.

In January, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) estimated that ‘10-12%’ of the munitions fired at Gaza had not exploded.

Nicholas Orr, Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert for Humanity & Inclusion in Gaza, says, “Every Gazan person is now living in a horrific, unmapped minefield. The UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) is everywhere. On the ground, in the rubble, under the ground, everywhere.”

Deadly Contamination and Technical Challenges

Anne-Claire Yaeesh, Country Director for Humanity & Inclusion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, explains, “The risks associated with unexploded ordnance in Gaza are huge: it is estimated that around 70,000 tons of explosives have fallen on the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict. The layers of rubble are considerable in an extremely dense and confined environment.” She continues, “It will make reconstruction particularly complicated. Locating and identifying one bomb under the rubble, securing the site, and neutralizing it will take months, especially in an environment like Gaza, with its urbanization and population density, and that is for a single bomb. This will pose considerable technical challenges. Contamination from unexploded ordnance will continue to pose a daily, deadly threat to residents for a long time.

 This debris is not just an obstacle; it is a lethal and toxic mix, littered with unexploded ordnance, asbestos, and other hazardous and harmful materials, as well as an unknown number of human cadavers.

Trying to Return Home Amid Extreme Dangers

Orr further explains, “We know that after the ceasefire is the most dangerous time as displaced families and people who are trying to return home are particularly vulnerable to the dangers posed by unexploded Ordnance. When they return to their homes—damaged or destroyed—people will try to enter to reclaim their possessions. We know from other conflict zones like Mosul that this is when the risk is greatest. We also know that the number of injuries will increase as people try to return.”

Orr adds, “Under the current ruling, we as Explosive Disposal Operators are not allowed to neutralize UXO in any way. The UXO contamination is vast; we must educate the communities. Their lives are now entwined with UXO, and will be for a generation. We are teaching people how to live with a lethal threat in their homes.  There is no other solution right now; education is the greatest weapon we have against UXO.”

He resumes, “We are especially concerned about the risk to children. To help these communities live amongst this horror, Humanity & Inclusion teams are delivering risk education sessions, warning the population about the hazards and advising them on what to do if they suspect something suspicious. These sessions are crucial as they provide information about the dangers, how to recognize UXO, as well as instruct the public on how they can prepare and protect themselves.”

Clearing Gaza Will Take Generations

Humanity & Inclusion’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists are preparing to support humanitarian organizations by conducting explosive hazard assessments on routes and key infrastructure, including to ensure humanitarian actors can do their job as safely as possible.

The team’s primary role will be to accurately identify, map, and mark the locations of unexploded ordnance. This crucial task aims to prevent further civilian casualties, reduce psychological trauma, and enable post-war reconstruction efforts.

Orr concludes, “It will take more than 30 years to clear the surface of Gaza and make it safe, then we will continue to find UXO buried in the ground for the next two generations at least. When you think about the UK and Europe, we are still finding UXO from World War II.”

The entire population of Gaza is impacted and needs urgent assistance.

Nicholas Orr, Explosive Ordnance Disposal expert for Humanity & Inclusion in Gaza, is available for interview upon request.