UN Warns of Unexploded Ordnance Crisis in Gaza
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the United Nations has reported an alarming increase in the presence of unexploded ordnance, missiles, and war debris throughout the Gaza Strip.
Julius Van der Walt, head of the UN Mine Action Programme in the Palestinian Territories, emphasized that over two years of attacks by the Zionist regime have resulted in widespread explosive contamination across Gaza.
This contamination not only endangers civilian lives but also significantly slows down aid delivery and recovery, transforming reconstruction into a perilous endeavor. Children are particularly vulnerable, as their natural curiosity may lead them to approach or touch unexploded ordnance without understanding the deadly risks involved.
The UN stated that its field teams have identified more than 650 hazardous items in Gaza since October 2023, predominantly unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices. The high population density in Gaza and the extensive contamination make clearance operations considerably more complex than in other conflict zones like Lebanon and Syria.
Van der Walt explained that even a small fragment of ordnance could trigger a major catastrophe. UN teams face daily risks, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people across Gaza increases the likelihood of accidental contact with unexploded munitions. The United Nations urged residents of Gaza to exercise extreme caution when returning to their homes and to report any suspicious objects immediately.
