Gaza City on Brink as Unexploded Bombs Threaten Lives Amid Stalled Reconstruction Efforts.
As heavy machinery lingers outside Gaza City's borders due to Israeli restrictions, tens of thousands of tonnes of unexploded bombs pose a significant threat to the lives of residents across the Gaza Strip. The city, in dire need of reconstruction and infrastructure repairs, faces an uphill battle as limited access for equipment hinders progress.
Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj revealed that at least 250 heavy vehicles and 1,000 tonnes of cement are required to maintain water networks and construct wells, yet only six trucks have entered the territory since Sunday. This shortage severely cripples the city's efforts, leaving residents without basic necessities like clean drinking water.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the remains of Israeli captives are being prioritized over locating the bodies of Palestinians still trapped beneath rubble. Al Jazeera reported that civilians are growing increasingly frustrated with the stalled reconstruction process, which seems to be a prerequisite for a lasting ceasefire.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to reassert control over Gaza by stating that Israel will decide which foreign forces may operate within the territory. This stance, however, appears intended to reassure the far-right base in Israel rather than genuinely address the humanitarian crisis unfolding before international eyes.
Meanwhile, unexploded ordnance poses a significant threat to civilians. According to Nicholas Torbet, Middle East director at HALO Trust, Gaza is essentially one giant city where every part has been struck by explosives. The presence of live munitions in homes and communities makes it difficult for residents to go about their daily lives without risking injury or death.
The most recent casualty includes seven-year-old Yahya Shorbasi, whose right arm had to be amputated after he mistakenly picked up a bomb while playing outside with his sister Nabila. This incident highlights the dire situation on the ground and the need for urgent assistance.
United Nations Mine Action Service head Luke David Irving reported that 328 people have already been killed or injured by unexploded ordnance since October 2023. The sheer scale of explosives dropped by Israel, combined with the years-long effort required to clear them, paints a bleak picture of the challenges ahead.
As tensions rise in Gaza City, civilians are pressing for faster progress on reconstruction and infrastructure repairs. They desire freedom from siege and access to basic necessities like clean water and healthcare. With unexploded bombs threatening lives at every turn, time seems running out for the people of Gaza.
As heavy machinery lingers outside Gaza City's borders due to Israeli restrictions, tens of thousands of tonnes of unexploded bombs pose a significant threat to the lives of residents across the Gaza Strip. The city, in dire need of reconstruction and infrastructure repairs, faces an uphill battle as limited access for equipment hinders progress.
Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj revealed that at least 250 heavy vehicles and 1,000 tonnes of cement are required to maintain water networks and construct wells, yet only six trucks have entered the territory since Sunday. This shortage severely cripples the city's efforts, leaving residents without basic necessities like clean drinking water.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the remains of Israeli captives are being prioritized over locating the bodies of Palestinians still trapped beneath rubble. Al Jazeera reported that civilians are growing increasingly frustrated with the stalled reconstruction process, which seems to be a prerequisite for a lasting ceasefire.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to reassert control over Gaza by stating that Israel will decide which foreign forces may operate within the territory. This stance, however, appears intended to reassure the far-right base in Israel rather than genuinely address the humanitarian crisis unfolding before international eyes.
Meanwhile, unexploded ordnance poses a significant threat to civilians. According to Nicholas Torbet, Middle East director at HALO Trust, Gaza is essentially one giant city where every part has been struck by explosives. The presence of live munitions in homes and communities makes it difficult for residents to go about their daily lives without risking injury or death.
The most recent casualty includes seven-year-old Yahya Shorbasi, whose right arm had to be amputated after he mistakenly picked up a bomb while playing outside with his sister Nabila. This incident highlights the dire situation on the ground and the need for urgent assistance.
United Nations Mine Action Service head Luke David Irving reported that 328 people have already been killed or injured by unexploded ordnance since October 2023. The sheer scale of explosives dropped by Israel, combined with the years-long effort required to clear them, paints a bleak picture of the challenges ahead.
As tensions rise in Gaza City, civilians are pressing for faster progress on reconstruction and infrastructure repairs. They desire freedom from siege and access to basic necessities like clean water and healthcare. With unexploded bombs threatening lives at every turn, time seems running out for the people of Gaza.