{"id":12029,"date":"2025-01-31T13:41:52","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T13:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/?p=12029"},"modified":"2025-01-31T13:50:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T13:50:22","slug":"un-warns-of-extreme-risks-from-unexploded-ordnance-and-unprecedented-rubble-in-gaza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watanserb.com\/en\/2025\/01\/31\/un-warns-of-extreme-risks-from-unexploded-ordnance-and-unprecedented-rubble-in-gaza\/","title":{"rendered":"UN Warns of Extreme Risks from Unexploded Ordnance and Unprecedented Rubble in Gaza"},"content":{"rendered":"

Watan<\/em><\/strong>-The United Nations has warned of the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the massive amount of rubble left behind by the Israeli war over the past 15 months. It confirmed that these threats continue to endanger civilian lives and hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid, despite the ceasefire in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Luke Irving, Director of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated that over the past 14 months, UNMAS has encountered a variety of explosive munitions, including air-dropped bombs, mortars, rockets, projectiles, grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).<\/p>\n

The UN News website quoted the official as saying:
\n“Explosive munitions have led to the death and injury of civilians in Gaza and threaten the ability to conduct humanitarian work safely.”<\/p>\n

Rising Casualties from Unexploded Ordnance<\/h3>\n

According to preliminary data, at least 92 people have been killed or injured by explosive remnants since October 2023.<\/p>\n

Irving noted that since the ceasefire began, UNMAS has received unofficial reports of civilians finding unexploded ordnance in their homes. Humanitarian convoys have also been encountering more such materials as they gain access to areas that were previously inaccessible.<\/p>\n

He added that there is no clear number of people who have been killed or injured by unexploded munitions so far. However, he cited “unconfirmed reports” of 24 casualties since the ceasefire began\u2014an average of more than two people per day.<\/p>\n

\"Rafah
Gaza WarUN Warns of Extreme Risks from Unexploded Ordnance and Unprecedented Rubble in Gaza<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

UN Efforts to Reduce Explosive Threats<\/h3>\n

Irving said that UNMAS has focused on expanding its response efforts and ensuring that people know how to navigate areas with explosive threats, especially when returning to their homes. He stated that the agency escorts humanitarian convoys along high-risk routes and conducts risk assessments in different areas to determine their safety.<\/p>\n

Unprecedented Rubble and Ownership Challenges<\/h3>\n

The UN News website also highlighted the unprecedented amount of rubble in Gaza and the challenges of verifying property ownership due to the massive destruction caused by Israeli attacks.<\/p>\n

Citing various UN and international organizations, the report stated that the enormous volume of rubble from the war and the use of explosive weapons in Gaza pose serious risks to both human health and the environment.<\/p>\n

The report indicated that:<\/p>\n