UN warns that Gaza’s unexploded ordnance could take 14 years to clear

Senior officers from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) have warned that the process of making Gaza safe again from unexploded bombs could extend over 14 years. Pehr Lodhammar, a seasoned UN demining expert, revealed on Friday that an estimated 37 million tonnes of debris now litter Gaza as a grim consequence of the conflict.

The aftermath of nearly seven months of intense Israeli bombardment has left formerly bustling neighborhoods in ruins, now strewn with unexploded ordnance. Lodhammar explained that determining the precise quantity of these hazardous remnants is challenging due to the extensive destruction, with every impacted square meter containing around 200 kilograms of rubble.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Lodhammar emphasized the immense scale of the task at hand. “At least 10 per cent of the ammunition that is being fired potentially fails to function,” he noted. “With 100 trucks, we’re talking about 14 years of work… to remove the debris.”

The UN’s cautionary assessment comes amidst escalating concerns in the region. Leaders from 18 nations, including the United States, issued a call on Thursday for the release of hostages taken during recent Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel. Reports suggest that over 130 hostages may still be held in Gaza following the attacks that claimed the lives of around 1,250 individuals.

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to sound alarms about an impending famine in northern Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has reiterated the urgent need for increased aid access, noting that while some progress has been made, it falls far short of what is required to avert a crisis.

Israel recently pledged to enhance aid delivery via designated crossings, but concerns persist over the adequacy and diversity of aid reaching vulnerable populations. Efforts to establish a marine corridor for humanitarian aid face challenges, with the WFP emphasizing the irreplaceable role of land-based deliveries into Gaza.

In a related development, human rights experts have appealed to Israel for safe passage for a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The “Freedom Flotilla,” carrying thousands of tonnes of aid and international observers, seeks to deliver critical assistance to the besieged enclave.

Amidst these complex challenges, the UN and international community continue to navigate the delicate balance of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while striving for long-term solutions to stabilize the region and ensure lasting peace.