Civil Defense in Gaza: 153 Bodies Recovered from Rubble Amid Dire Conditions
The Gaza Civil Defense teams have recovered the bodies of 153 martyrs from beneath the rubble of homes targeted by Zionist occupation forces across the Gaza Strip since the implementation of the ceasefire.
In a statement on Wednesday, Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal confirmed that efforts to recover bodies from under the debris and streets continue under extremely challenging conditions. “Our efforts are ongoing, and we have done everything in our power to support recovery operations. However, the situation on the ground demands far greater resources,” he said.
The destruction in northern Gaza is unparalleled, according to Basal. The area suffered extensive devastation during the ground offensive that lasted over 100 days, combined with relentless shelling that obliterated numerous homes. “The northern region has turned into a mass of rubble, making recovery operations exceedingly difficult. Sand, stones, and bodies are all mixed together,” Basal explained, adding that recovery efforts in this region have faced unprecedented challenges, with only a limited number of bodies recovered compared to other areas.
In contrast, operations in other parts of Gaza have been slightly more manageable due to the cooperation of local residents. The governorate of Rafah, in particular, has seen the largest number of bodies recovered, with nearly 150 martyrs retrieved from various locations.
Basal emphasized that residents have played a crucial role in the recovery efforts, particularly in the absence of heavy machinery, which is essential for speeding up the process. “The lack of access to heavy equipment is a significant obstacle, severely hampering the Civil Defense’s ability to recover bodies trapped beneath the rubble,” he stated, calling for the urgent entry of such equipment into Gaza to aid in the ongoing efforts.
The latest statistics on the human and material toll of the Zionist aggression in Gaza reveal that 14,222 individuals remain missing, most of whom are believed to have been martyred under the rubble of homes and residential blocks destroyed by airstrikes. Medical teams are often unable to reach these areas due to the immense destruction.
The ceasefire, which came into effect last Sunday, followed a bloody assault on Gaza by occupation forces that began on October 7, 2023. The offensive resulted in the martyrdom of at least 47,161 Palestinians and the injury of over 111,166 others. Approximately 11,000 individuals are still unaccounted for, buried under rubble or in inaccessible locations.
The Civil Defense teams continue their relentless search, underscoring the dire need for international support and resources to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
