Amidst the aftermath of the Israeli aggression in Gaza, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has issued a stark warning regarding the staggering amount of debris and hazardous materials plaguing the region. On Wednesday, the UN revealed that Gaza’s landscape is overwhelmed with more rubble than Ukraine, presenting an unprecedented challenge for cleanup efforts.
Head of the UNMAS programme in the Palestinian territories, Mungo Birch, disclosed that Gaza is burdened with an estimated 37 million tonnes of debris, equating to 300 kilograms per square metre. Despite Gaza’s relatively small size compared to Ukraine, Birch emphasized the monumental task ahead due to the sheer volume of rubble and the dangerous presence of asbestos and unexploded ordnance (UXO).
Birch highlighted the concerning presence of asbestos, with over 800,000 tonnes scattered throughout Gaza’s rubble. Asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral commonly used in construction, poses significant health risks and requires specialized handling. Additionally, experts fear that 10 to 15 percent of the munitions fired during the conflict did not explode on impact, adding to the ongoing threat to civilian safety.
The UNMAS aims to spearhead the coordination of mine action in Gaza, but faces substantial funding gaps. While $5 million has been secured, an additional $40 million is urgently needed to sustain operations over the next year. Birch underscored the necessity for innovative approaches and substantial financial support to address the unprecedented scale of destruction and contamination.
A recent gathering of key stakeholders in Amman, facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sought to outline future clearance plans. However, the magnitude of the rubble presents significant challenges, requiring novel strategies and substantial resources.
Moreover, the situation in northern Gaza remains particularly dire, with limited access hindering accurate assessments of contamination levels. Birch expressed concerns over anecdotal reports indicating heavy contamination in the region, further exacerbating the challenges faced by cleanup operations.
As Gaza grapples with the monumental task of rebuilding and recovery, international support and concerted efforts are imperative to address the multifaceted hazards and ensure the safety and well-being of the population.