Gaza’s Hidden Threats: UNMAS Clears Unexploded Ordnance After Conflict

The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has been supporting mine action activities throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) since 2009.  Since the escalation of hostilities on 7 October 2023, UNMAS operations have considerably evolved to adapt to the emerging needs of local populations and humanitarian partners in both Gaza and the West Bank. As the lead humanitarian coordinating body for mine action response in Gaza, UNMAS supports humanitarian partners by assessing explosive ordnance threats and providing guidance to enable safe humanitarian operations. In ceasefire periods, UNMAS supports early recovery efforts, as mine action is critical for reconstruction tasks like debris and rubble removal. UNMAS also collaborates with local and international partners to deliver explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) to civilians, promoting safe behaviours.