The dilemma of unexploded bombs in Gaza a hidden and deadly danger pursuing Palestinians
Unexploded Bombs in Gaza, Estimated at Around 4,000, Pose a Persistent Threat Not Only to Palestinian lives but Also to the Reconstruction of Buildings and Farmlands in the Region
Mehr News Agency, International Desk: The Zionist regime’s attacks on Gaza have caused widespread devastation after approximately 19 months. The regime has used around 85,000 tons of bombs in this war, many of which remain unexploded and inactive, becoming a continuous threat to Palestinian lives.
The Scale of Bombs Used in Gaza
In November 2023—less than a month into the war—the head of the Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip announced that the occupiers had already dropped 18,000 tons of bombs, one and a half times more than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. By March 2025, Professor David Frank from the University of Oregon revealed statistics showing that since October 7, 2023, until late March 2025, Israel’s military had dropped at least 10,000 MK-84 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds (907 kg), on Gaza. The quantity used far exceeds most wars in history.
The environmental Quality Authority under the Palestinian Authority stated in a November 2024 report—issued for international Day for Preventing Environmental Exploitation Due to armed Conflict—that Israel had dropped over 85,000 tons of explosives on Gaza as October 2023. This surpasses even World War II explosive usage. Continuous bombings have not only destroyed vast agricultural lands but also contaminated soil with toxic substances affecting farming for decades.Occupying forces deployed various weapons and munitions—including white phosphorus—banned under international conventions like Conventional Weapons Protocol.
Unexploded Bombs: A Persistent Threat Against Palestinians
UN data from April 2025 indicates that since hostilities began in Gaza,one out of every ten to twenty bombs dropped by israeli forces failed to detonate. This poses an ongoing danger as displaced families return amid high population density areas littered with explosives. According to UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service),these unexploded ordnances (UXOs) have caused numerous incidents so far: at least 23 fatalities and over 160 injuries,mostly civilians.
Reuters reported on April 17th that if we consider Israel’s claimed figure (40k+ air strikes) alongside an estimated failure rate (10% UXO rate per strike) then even assuming just one bomb per strike would mean roughly four thousand undetonated munitions remain scattered across Gaza excluding naval/ground attacks entirely! MAG (Mines Advisory Group) humanitarian director noted “Gaza resembles post-earthquake rubble now filled w/ thousands more hidden hazards making reconstruction painfully slow.”
Tel Aviv Obstructing Clearance Efforts
Under 1907 Hague Convention, warring parties must remove hazardous remnants endangering civilians post-conflict; however despite obligations binding customary law irrespective treaty ratification -ICRC official Cordula Droege stressed- authorities continue blocking specialist teams/equipment entry delaying demining efforts considerably while exacerbating risks further still… UNEP estimates nearly fifty million tonnes debris litters entire strip containing countless live explosives too!
Jeremy Laurence (OHCHR Spokesperson) confirmed restrictions imposed upon humanitarian deminers prevent clearance operations altogether leaving aid workers facing insurmountable challenges daily… Meanwhile Zionist officials rejected requests importing critical equipment (>20 types denied between March-July ’24 alone). Military agencies overseeing shipments declined comment when pressed about thier role hindering cleanup initiatives altogether…
US Fishing In Troubled Waters
America remains primary arms supplier providing ~$21B military aid during recent conflict (American Friends Service Committee data shows post-Oct7 surge) including secretive transfers avoiding congressional oversight via cargo planes/ships delivering massive stockpiles rapidly: e.g., >15k bombs +50k artillery shells within first six weeks alone! Yet some US officials exploit UXO presence justifying forced displacement rather – NSC Spokesman Brian Hughes argued repeatedly “Gaza uninhabitable” claiming living amidst such dangers constitutes “inhumane treatment” towards locals…
Conclusion**
Unexploded ordnance left behind following relentless bombardment represents yet another crisis compounding suffering endured by Gazans already struggling amidst ruins everywhere… With Tel-Aviv preventing neutralization equipment access these ~4000 active threats persist indefinitely jeopardizing both civilian safety & rebuilding efforts alike moving forward…
