In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are diligently searching through the debris of their former home to locate the remains of a neighbor who was present during an airstrike in November 2023. With limited resources, they are using shovels, buckets, a wheelbarrow, and their hands under the scorching sun.
The Al-Drimli family has already found the remains of their loved ones at the site but are now focused on finding their missing neighbor. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, there are an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bodies still trapped under the rubble nearly three years after the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Due to the scarcity of excavators in Gaza, many Palestinians, like the Al-Drimli family, have resorted to manual methods of excavation as heavy machinery is costly and hard to come by. Ayman Al-Drimli explained that they are compelled to work with their hands due to the unavailability and high cost of equipment.
Samir Sabra and his son operate two excavators in Gaza but face challenges due to the high cost of maintaining the machinery. The lack of spare parts and fuel shortages have made it difficult to keep the equipment operational, with the cost of running one excavator alone being significant.
Despite efforts to clear rubble and retrieve remains, the demand for excavators far exceeds the available resources. Uday Sabra, working alongside the Palestinian Civil Defence, highlighted the overwhelming need for equipment to address the extensive destruction in the region.
Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, emphasized that heavy machinery in Gaza was targeted during the conflict, resulting in a severe shortage of excavators. Basal mentioned that efforts are underway to collaborate with international organizations such as the Red Cross to address the ongoing challenges.
As border restrictions continue to impede access to essential supplies like fuel, oil, and spare parts, humanitarian aid groups stress the urgent need to facilitate the entry of heavy equipment into Gaza. The United Nations has raised concerns about the slow progress in recovering remains due to these restrictions, underscoring the importance of international support in resolving the crisis.
In response to inquiries, the Israeli Defence Forces stated that their policies regarding the entry of heavy equipment into Gaza are guided by security considerations. Despite daily fuel deliveries through international organizations, the challenges in accessing critical resources persist, hindering the recovery efforts in the region.
Uday Sabra remains committed to his task, tirelessly digging through the rubble in Gaza City to bring closure to the families of the deceased. His determination reflects the ongoing struggles faced by many in Gaza as they work to recover and honor the victims of the conflict.