Israeli Military Operations Leave 20,000 Unexploded Bombs in Gaza, Officials Report

Deadly Legacy: 20,000 Unexploded Bombs Threaten Gaza’s Recovery

As Palestinians begin the arduous task of returning to their homes and rebuilding after months of intense conflict, a grave and hidden danger lies beneath the rubble: an estimated 20,000 unexploded bombs and ordnance scattered across the Gaza Strip.

The Scale of the Threat

Gaza officials have reported a staggering number of unexploded munitions remaining after the recent hostilities. These include a variety of missiles and bombs dropped during the conflict, presenting an immediate and lethal risk to civilians and those involved in clearing debris.

The United Nations has confirmed at least 324 deaths, including 91 children, resulting from unexploded ordnance since October 7, 2023. Though, authorities warn that this figure is highly likely a meaningful underestimate, with casualties expected to rise as more people access previously inaccessible areas.

Rubble and Reconstruction Challenges

Beyond the immediate danger of unexploded bombs, Gaza faces an immense challenge in clearing the widespread destruction. Officials estimate between 65 and 70 million tonnes of rubble now cover the Strip, consisting of demolished homes, infrastructure, and essential facilities.

Did You Know? Clearing this debris is essential not only for reconstruction but also for delivering crucial humanitarian aid and relief supplies.

The process of removing this massive amount of rubble is severely hampered by Israel’s restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery and equipment needed for the task. Border crossings remain largely closed, preventing the import of essential materials and hindering efforts to locate and recover victims trapped beneath the debris.

Challenge	Estimated Scale
Unexploded Ordnance	Approximately 20,000 items
Total Rubble	65-70 million tonnes
UN Estimated Reconstruction Cost	$70 billion

International Aid and Obstacles

The United Nations estimates that reconstructing Gaza will require $70 billion, with $20 billion needed in the first three years alone. While the UN has already removed 81,000 tonnes of rubble – roughly 3,100 truckloads – this represents less than 0.1% of the total estimated volume.

Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to restrict the flow of essential supplies and aid into Gaza. The UN Relief and Works agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reports having enough supplies to sustain the population for three months, however, the supplies remain blocked just outside the territory.

Pro Tip: Follow UNRWA’s official website for updates on aid delivery and ongoing needs in Gaza.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Recovery

The combination of unexploded ordnance, vast amounts of rubble, and restricted access to resources presents an enormous challenge to Gaza’s recovery. The long-term impact on the civilian population and the ability to rebuild a sustainable future remain deeply uncertain.

What are the key priorities for international aid organizations in Gaza right now?

How can the international community ensure the safe and efficient removal of unexploded ordnance?

Understanding Unexploded Ordnance

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) refers to explosive weapons that have not detonated when initially used. these can include bombs, grenades, landmines, and artillery shells. UXO poses a significant threat long after conflicts end, as they can remain hazardous for decades if not properly located and cleared.

The presence of UXO hinders economic growth, restricts access to land, and causes lasting trauma to affected communities. International efforts to address UXO include risk education, mine clearance programs, and victim assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is unexploded ordnance? Unexploded ordnance is explosive weapons that didn’t detonate and remain dangerous.
• How many deaths have been caused by UXO in Gaza? At least 324 deaths, including 91 children, have been recorded.
• What is the biggest obstacle to rebuilding Gaza? Restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery and equipment are a major impediment.
• how much will it cost to reconstruct Gaza? The UN estimates a total cost of $70 billion.
• Is aid reaching Gaza despite the ceasefire? Aid is being blocked from entering Gaza, despite being available nearby.

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How might the extensive UXO contamination in Gaza differentially impact various demographic groups (e.g., children, farmers)?

The Scale of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Gaza

Recent reports indicate that approximately 20,000 unexploded bombs, shells, and other ordnance remain scattered throughout Gaza following Israeli military operations. This alarming figure, released by Palestinian officials on October 17, 2025, presents a notable and ongoing threat to civilian life and reconstruction efforts. The sheer volume of unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses a long-term humanitarian crisis,hindering the return of displaced persons and impeding essential infrastructure repairs. This situation demands immediate attention and a coordinated response from international organizations specializing in mine action and explosive remnants of war (ERW) clearance.

Immediate Risks to the Civilian Population

The presence of these unexploded bombs creates a multitude of dangers for Gazan civilians:

* Direct Injury or Death: The most immediate risk is accidental detonation, leading to severe injuries or fatalities, especially among children who may be unaware of the dangers.

* Hindrance to Daily Life: Access to essential services like healthcare, education, and agriculture is severely restricted as people fear venturing into perhaps contaminated areas.

* Displacement & Return Challenges: The widespread contamination prevents the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes and communities. Gaza displacement figures remain high, exacerbated by the UXO threat.

* Psychological Trauma: Living under the constant threat of explosion contributes to widespread psychological distress and trauma within the population.

Types of Unexploded Ordnance Found in Gaza

The ordnance discovered isn’t limited to a single type. Reports detail a diverse range of explosive remnants of war, including:

* Artillery Shells: commonly used during the conflict, these pose a significant threat due to their large explosive yield.

* Mortar Rounds: Smaller than artillery shells, but still capable of causing serious harm.

* Aerial Bombs: Dropped from aircraft, these often have delayed-fuse mechanisms, making them particularly dangerous.

* Precision-guided Munitions (PGMs): While designed for accuracy, PGMs can still fail to detonate on impact.

* Small Arms Ammunition: Though less powerful individually,the sheer quantity of small arms fire contributes to the overall UXO problem.

Clearance Efforts and Challenges

Several organizations are involved in the painstaking process of UXO clearance in Gaza, including:

1. Palestinian Civil Defence: Local teams are working to identify and remove ordnance, but they are frequently enough under-resourced and lack specialized equipment.
2. International Mine Action Organizations: Groups like the HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group (MAG) are deploying teams to Gaza, but access and security concerns remain significant obstacles.
3. UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS): UNMAS is coordinating efforts and providing technical support to clearance operations.

However, significant challenges hinder these efforts:

* Scale of Contamination: The sheer number of UXO makes clearance a long and arduous process.

* Damaged Infrastructure: The destruction of buildings and infrastructure complicates the detection and removal of ordnance.

* Ongoing Security Concerns: the volatile security situation in Gaza poses risks to clearance teams.

* Funding Shortages: Adequate funding is crucial to support sustained clearance operations.Gaza humanitarian aid needs are considerable.

Historical Precedents & Lessons Learned

The situation in Gaza echoes similar post-conflict scenarios in other regions. The aftermath of the Gulf War (1991) in Kuwait, such as, left vast areas contaminated with UXO, requiring years of dedicated clearance efforts. Lessons learned from these experiences highlight the importance of:

* Thorough Mapping: detailed mapping of contaminated areas is essential for prioritizing clearance efforts.

* Community Risk Education: educating the population about the dangers of UXO is crucial to prevent accidents. Gaza risk education programs are vital.

* Long-Term Commitment: UXO clearance is a long-term undertaking that requires sustained funding and political will.

* Technological Innovation: Utilizing advanced detection technologies,such as ground-penetrating radar and drone-based surveys,can improve efficiency.

The Impact on Reconstruction and Advancement

The presence of UXO severely impedes reconstruction and development efforts in gaza. Essential infrastructure projects, such as rebuilding schools, hospitals, and homes, cannot proceed safely until the areas are cleared. Agricultural land is also unusable,threatening food security.The long-term economic consequences of this contamination are substantial,hindering Gaza economic recovery.

Resources and Further Information

* HALO Trust: https://www.halotrust.org/

* Mines Advisory Group (MAG): https://www.maginternational.org/

* UN Mine action Service (UNMAS): https://www.unmas.org/

* OCHA – Occupied Palestinian Territory: https://www.ochaopt.org/ (for updates on the humanitarian situation)