Gaza City, October 26, 2025 – Tens of thousands of tonnes of unexploded Israeli bombs are threatening lives across Gaza as authorities struggle to clear debris and rebuild the city. Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery have slowed reconstruction, with Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj reporting a need for at least 250 heavy vehicles and 1,000 tonnes of cement to restore water networks and dig wells.

At least 9,000 Palestinians remain trapped under rubble, while new equipment is reportedly prioritized for recovering the remains of Israeli captives rather than assisting local families. Red Cross and Egyptian teams have been allowed into Gaza under Israeli supervision to locate captives’ remains, but full reconstruction access remains limited.

Political Context and Israeli Control

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel controls which foreign actors operate in Gaza, a move seen as reinforcing his domestic political support. Analysts note that the restricted reconstruction access, combined with controlled foreign entry, reflects a broader strategy to maintain political leverage while managing the ceasefire.

Explosive Threats to Civilians

The scale of unexploded ordnance is staggering. Palestinian Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal estimates that Israel dropped 200,000 tonnes of explosives on Gaza, of which 70,000 tonnes failed to detonate. Many items, including bombs and mortar rounds, appear harmless, leading to deadly accidents—especially among children.

In one tragic incident, seven-year-old Yahya Shorbasi and his twin sister Nabila were playing with what they thought was a toy when it exploded, resulting in the amputation of Yahya’s arm and critical injuries to Nabila. Emergency doctors warn of a “public health catastrophe waiting to unfold”, with hundreds of civilians already injured or killed by unexploded ordnance since October 2023.

Clearing the Explosives

Organizations like the HALO Trust are working within communities to safely detonate or remove bombs. However, with tens of thousands of tonnes buried across Gaza, experts warn that clearance could take years and millions of dollars, hampering reconstruction and safe movement for civilians.

For Palestinians, the race is urgent: restoring freedom of movement, rebuilding homes, and ensuring the ceasefire delivers tangible security remain pressing priorities amid this ongoing humanitarian crisis.