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Gaza UXO Crisis and Peace Efforts
Israel’s bombardment of Gaza over the past two years has saturated the territory with unexploded Israeli ordnance.
“After two years of intense conflict in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire began on October 9 under the first phase of Trump’s 20-point plan, bringing temporary relief.”
Multiple outlets describe Gaza as an open minefield that will take decades to clear.
Countercurrents reports that a fragile ceasefire began on October 9 under the first phase of a US plan attributed to Trump’s “20-point plan.”
Iran Front Page reports that indirect talks in early October produced agreement to begin implementing a US-backed peace plan.
UN-linked and humanitarian sources cited by ABNA English and the New York Post warn that the unexploded ordnance threat is already killing and injuring civilians.
These sources also warn that the threat will persist for generations unless Israel allows large-scale clearance operations.
The scale of the problem is extraordinary, with sources estimating tens of thousands of unexploded devices across Gaza.
These devices were created by Israel’s massive bombing campaign and now endanger residents and aid workers alike.
Impact of Israel's Bombardment in Gaza
The scale and lethality of Israel’s bombardment are documented across sources.
Countercurrents estimates Israel dropped 70,000–200,000 tons of explosives—more than all bombs dropped on major European cities in World War II—with 5–10% failing.
Iran Front Page puts the total at about 70,000 tons and at least 20,000 unexploded devices.
ABNA English cites UN figures of roughly 100,000 tons and describes Gaza as an “open minefield.”
This dud rate leaves buried bombs in homes, streets, hospitals, and rubble that will maim and kill civilians for decades unless Israel allows full access for specialized clearance teams.
Challenges in Bomb Clearance
Demining experts say clearance will take 20–30 years.
“Nick Orr, a demining expert from Humanity & Inclusion, warned that clearing unexploded ordnance in Gaza is a long-term challenge, potentially taking 20 to 30 years, similar to post-WWII British cities.”
They accuse Israeli authorities of blocking the work.
Humanity & Inclusion’s Nick Orr, cited by vijesti.me and the New York Post, warns clearance is a decades-long effort.
He says his team has not received Israeli permission to remove or destroy bombs, import equipment, or safely incinerate munitions that could be reused.
Iran Front Page and Countercurrents report that Israeli authorities and COGAT restrict entry of detection and disposal equipment, stalling clearance.
The UN is urging sustained public warnings to keep civilians away from suspected devices because the danger will persist for generations.
Impact of Unexploded Ordnance in Gaza
Unexploded Israeli bombs are already killing and maiming Palestinians.
UN-sourced tallies reported by ABNA English and the New York Post record more than 53 deaths and hundreds of injuries from leftover ordnance.
Devdiscourse and vijesti.me note that the true death toll is at least dozens and likely understated.
Countercurrents details one incident where five children were injured by unexploded ordnance near Al-Shifa hospital.
These devices are embedded in civilian areas across Gaza’s rubble, ensuring that Palestinians—especially children and workers—continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s bombardment long after the strikes.
International Responses to Gaza Crisis
Accountability and next steps remain contested.
“Human Rights Watch emphasizes that the United States, as a participant in the conflict through military support to Israel, bears responsibility under international law and calls for an end to arms sales, sanctions on Israeli officials, and suspension of trade agreements.”
Countercurrents reports that Human Rights Watch says the United States bears responsibility under international law due to its military support to Israel and urges ending arms sales, sanctioning Israeli officials, and suspending trade agreements.
It also notes Israel’s refusal to sign the Mine Ban Treaty and says Israel’s actions have effectively turned Gaza into a vast, unmapped minefield.
Arab News reports EU leaders are pushing for a larger role, with some member states imposing arms embargoes and EU institutions weighing sanctions or partial trade suspensions on Israel while seeking to join a transitional “Board of Peace.”
Iran Front Page adds that talks produced agreement to begin implementing a US‑backed plan.
ABNA English emphasizes the staggering human toll and the minefield reality.
These positions show growing international pressure on Israel to enable demining and accept oversight while Palestinians live amid lethal remnants of Israeli strikes.