The on-going conflict in Gaza, now in its ninth month, has left a trail of destruction that extends beyond the visible ruins of buildings and infrastructure. One of the most pressing and long-lasting dangers is the prevalence of unexploded ordnance (UXO), which poses a significant threat to the lives of residents long after the fighting subsides.
According to the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), there are an estimated 37 million tonnes of debris scattered across Gaza. Alarmingly, at least 10% of the ordnance fired has failed to detonate, embedding dangerous explosives within this debris. Under ideal conditions, clearing such a vast amount of UXO would take approximately 14 years, but the realities on the ground suggest it will be far more challenging.
Gary Toombs, an explosive ordnance disposal expert with the NGO Humanity and Inclusion, highlighted the significant obstacles faced by mine removal teams in Gaza. Israeli restrictions, which include bans on essential equipment and the training of local staff, severely complicate the task. The UXO, some as large as 2000 lb bombs with a 360-metre-wide killing zone, present a formidable challenge for the UN and NGOs working in the region.
“Unexploded ordnance is going to be incredibly problematic, and it’s going to be a lot,” Toombs stated, emphasizing the vast quantity of ordnance deployed in the area. His recent three-week stint in Gaza revealed devastation exceeding that of other intense urban bombing campaigns he has witnessed, including those in Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria.
Even before the current conflict, Israel’s control over Gaza included restrictions on what could enter the enclave, which has only intensified in recent months. This near-total siege has left the population in dire straits, with essential items like oxygen tanks, generators, and tent poles being blocked, significantly hampering humanitarian efforts.
Toombs foresees that these limitations on equipment and staffing will persist, complicating future UXO removal efforts. Humanity and Inclusion’s typical model, which involves training local staff to handle UXO, may not be feasible in Gaza. Instead, international experts will likely need to undertake the disposal work, driving up costs and operational complexities.
The ongoing conflict further complicates UXO disposal, as some of the unexploded ordnance still holds tactical value and could potentially be repurposed for improvised explosive devices. The necessary equipment for safe UXO clearance, including explosive charges for controlled detonations and tunneling equipment, has also faced entry restrictions.
Moreover, maintaining crowd control during UXO disposal is critical. In Gaza, however, the local authorities, linked to the Hamas-led government, have been largely incapacitated or forced underground due to Israeli targeting, leading to a collapse in public order. This makes it nearly impossible to ensure civilian safety during disposal operations.
Toombs asserts that an “immediate and sustainable ceasefire” is essential to begin meaningful UXO clearance. “We really can’t do a lot, particularly when it comes to explosive ordnance, without that,” he stressed. As Gaza’s residents continue to navigate the dual threats of ongoing conflict and hidden explosives, the call for a ceasefire and concerted international effort to address these dangers grows ever more urgent.
