Defusing Unexploded Bombs in Gaza Will Take 30 Years
The English section of webangah News Agency,citing Mehr News Agency and Al-Mayadeen,reported that the aid organization Humanity & Inclusion described Gaza as a “terrifying and unknown minefield” and warned that clearing unexploded ordnance in the area could take 20 to 30 years.
Nick Orr, an explosive ordnance disposal expert with the organization, said in a report published on Al-Monitor’s website that fully clearing Gaza is nearly impossible because many explosives are buried underground. He emphasized these devices will likely be found by future generations.
Orr called this a slow process to address a very large problem. “clearing unexploded ordnance in Gaza is something achievable over roughly one generation,” he said. “I believe it will take between 20 and 30 years.”
He also noted that next week his seven-member team would begin identifying war remnants beneath critical infrastructure such as hospitals and bakeries.Orr added that humanitarian groups have yet to receive full authorization from the Israeli regime to start clearance operations or import necessary equipment.
The expert explained they are seeking approval to bring in equipment designed to neutralize bombs thru burning rather than detonation,aiming to reduce concerns about reused explosives.
Orr supported establishing a temporary security force, stressing that “any future for Gaza requires an empowered security entity allowing humanitarian workers to perform their duties.”
A few days ago,Gaza’s government media office stated there are between 65 and 70 million tons of rubble along with some 20,000 unexploded Israeli bombs and rockets. The government described this as the greatest structural and humanitarian disaster faced by the region in contemporary history.
