Civil Defense in Gaza: War of Annihilation Remnants Threaten Rescue Teams, Ready to Work with Technocratic Committee

The spokesperson for the Civil Defense apparatus in the Gaza Strip, Major Mahmoud Basal, warned on Monday of the grave dangers posed by the remnants of the war of annihilation and the unexploded ordnance left by the Israeli enemy. He confirmed that they represent a direct threat to rescue teams during their work in recovering the remains of martyrs, clearing roads, and removing rubble.

Basal explained that thousands of tons of unexploded ordnance, including US-made “MK” bombs, artillery shells, and missiles launched by drones and helicopters, are still scattered under rubble, in streets, and in residential areas, increasing the likelihood of new explosions that could result in additional casualties, according to the “Palestine Online” website.

He pointed out that estimates indicate the presence of about 71,000 tons of unexploded ordnance in the governorates of the Strip, noting that the Zionist entity refuses to cooperate in dealing with its military remnants or providing maps showing the locations of unexploded bombs.

The spokesperson clarified that the remains of approximately 8,500 martyrs are still under the rubble, while civil defense teams have managed to recover the remains of about a thousand martyrs since the ceasefire came into effect, amidst a severe shortage of equipment and machinery, with only two vehicles operating in the north and south of the Strip.

He affirmed that the process of identifying the remains of martyrs faces significant difficulties due to the absence of DNA testing laboratories, compounding the psychological and social suffering of the victims’ families. He stressed the urgent need for heavy machinery, specialized laboratories, and technical teams to neutralize military remnants.

The Civil Defense spokesperson also warned of the danger of buildings on the verge of collapse, noting the collapse of dozens of buildings since the ceasefire, resulting in the martyrdom of a number of citizens, most of whom are women and children.

He welcomed the formation of the national technocratic committee to manage Gaza, affirming the readiness of the Civil Defense apparatus to work with it and dedicate its capabilities and personnel to provide humanitarian services, hoping for the provision of necessary machinery to remove rubble, recover remains, and handle war remnants.