It has been noted that the recovery effort in Gaza is one of the toughest seen in modern warfare. As talks continue over a fragile ceasefire, Palestinians are sifting through an astonishing 61 million tonnes of debris—20 times the amount generated by all previous conflicts since 2008. Tragically, at least 10,000 individuals are believed to be trapped beneath this rubble.
Families in Gaza are desperately searching for missing loved ones. Members of the civil defense, responsible for rescue operations, are working tirelessly amid dire conditions. They rely on basic tools like shovels and pickaxes. Despite requests for bulldozers and heavy machinery, they have received no assistance.
Dr. Mohammed al-Mughir, a leader in humanitarian efforts, highlights the painful disparity in equipment availability. While recovery tools were brought in for Israeli hostages, they lack similar support for Palestinians. “We deserve the same tools to retrieve our loved ones,” he states.
The Ministry of Health estimates around 10,000 people remain buried, with some experts suggesting the number could rise to as high as 14,000. So far, only 472 bodies have been recovered, including those returned by Israel under the ceasefire agreement. According to reports, it could take up to nine months to recover most bodies even if heavy machinery were permitted.
The challenge increases for taller buildings, where accessing trapped individuals without advanced equipment is next to impossible. Each day, countless families gather at hospitals and civic offices, hoping to get news about their relatives.
One poignant story is that of Aya Abu Nasr, who lost multiple family members in a single airstrike last October. She notes that despite her efforts, retrieving bodies without heavy machinery has proven impossible.
This situation has led to a flood of missing person reports, amplifying the emotional toll on families. In Rafah alone, over 170 bodies are believed to be trapped beneath various buildings. As families are often displaced and separated, the anguish of not knowing the fate of loved ones adds to their suffering.
Identifying bodies is crucial not just for honoring the dead, but for the mental health of the living. Psychologists refer to the grief over unidentified victims as “ambiguous loss,” which can lead to lasting trauma. The lack of DNA testing resources in Gaza exacerbates this issue, making it difficult to identify remains.
The recent conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with reports indicating that 77% of the road network is damaged. The UN estimates that, if allowed, it would take about seven years to clear all debris, navigating hazardous conditions filled with unexploded ordnance.
UNMAS reported 147 incidents of ordnance in rubble since October 2023, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Experts warn that as families return to the ruins of their homes, they face risks from potential explosives.
As recovery efforts face obstacles from ongoing violence, the future remains uncertain. Gaza is a landscape of destruction, where hopes of rebuilding seem increasingly distant. The lingering question is not only what can be rebuilt, but who remains lost beneath the debris.
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