Nearly 10,000 bodies trapped under rubble in Gaza
The Gaza Civil Emergency Service estimates that approximately 10,000 bodies remain trapped under rubble since the beginning of the Israeli offensive. The service has called for heavy machinery and ground vehicles to assist in excavating the debris and recovering the bodies.
Palestinian rescue workers and the Gaza Civil Emergency Service have begun searching for the remains of Gaza residents buried under the rubble of their homes and alongside roads. At least 150 bodies have been recovered since the ceasefire was announced.
According to a United Nations assessment published earlier this month, clearing the over 50 million tons of debris left behind by Israeli bombings could take 21 years and cost an estimated $1.2 billion.
Gaza health officials report that at least 47,000 people have died since the Israeli offensive began. The rubble is believed to contain the remains of thousands more who are yet to be accounted for.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stated that Gaza’s development has been set back by seven decades due to the devastation caused by the conflict.
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect on Sunday after 15 months of hostilities. The agreement involved the release of three Israeli hostages and the freeing of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The scale of destruction in Gaza has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with millions in need of immediate aid and long-term rebuilding support. The international community faces significant challenges in addressing both the urgent and structural needs of Gaza.
Rescue teams in Gaza continue to work under dire conditions, with limited resources and increasing pressure to recover bodies and provide closure to grieving families. The absence of adequate machinery and international support exacerbates the crisis.
The long-term reconstruction of Gaza will require sustained international collaboration, substantial funding, and political will to address the root causes of the conflict. Without these efforts, the humanitarian and developmental toll is likely to deepen further.
As the ceasefire brings temporary relief, both sides must prioritize sustainable peace efforts to prevent further devastation. The focus should now shift toward rebuilding lives and infrastructure while fostering dialogue to achieve lasting stability in the region.
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