In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are using basic tools like shovels, buckets, and a wheelbarrow to search for the remains of a neighbor in the debris of their former residence. Despite the scorching midday sun, the men work silently, with their heads covered to shield from the heat. The sounds of shovels hitting rubble and the hum of an electric saw echo through the surroundings.
The family had previously found the remains of their loved ones at the site and are now endeavoring to locate their neighbor, who was present during the airstrike that razed the six-story building in November 2023. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bodies are still trapped under the rubble nearly three years after the conflict between Israel and Hamas commenced.
Due to the scarcity of excavators in Gaza, many Palestinians, including the Al-Drimli family, are resorting to manual labor as they sift through the debris in search of their deceased relatives. Ayman Al-Drimli explained to CBC News that the high costs and unavailability of equipment compel them to rely on hand tools for the grim task.
Samir Sabra, along with his son Uday Sabra, operate two of the very few functioning excavators in Gaza. Samir highlighted the exorbitant expenses associated with running the equipment, emphasizing the challenges posed by maintenance, spare parts scarcity, and fuel shortages.
Despite the ceasefire agreement from last October, which aimed to facilitate the entry of heavy machinery for debris clearance, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, mentioned the deliberate targeting of heavy machinery during the conflict, leading to a severe shortage of equipment for recovery operations.
The ongoing border restrictions imposed by Israel on crucial supplies like fuel, oil, and spare parts are impeding the maintenance of essential machinery in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the slow progress in reaching and retrieving remains due to limited access to heavy equipment. The international community has been urged to intervene and expedite the provision of necessary machinery to assist in these recovery efforts.
Uday Sabra continues his arduous work at the site in Gaza City, determined to unearth the remains of those lost in the rubble. Despite the daunting task ahead, he remains resolute in his mission to bring closure to the families of the deceased.