Gaza, Dec. 1 (SANA) Efforts to recover the bodies of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip remain extremely challenging amid extensive destruction and continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of essential recovery equipment, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.
Amani Al Naouq, ICRC communication officer said the organization is providing material support to help Gaza’s Civil Defense teams retrieve bodies from beneath the rubble using the limited machinery still available in the enclave.
“With the massive devastation in Gaza, this is a complex operation that requires time, adequate tools, and coordinated efforts from multiple actors,” she said.
Al-Naouq stressed that searching for the missing and recovering bodies is a deeply important humanitarian matter, noting that thousands of Palestinian families have faced prolonged uncertainty as they wait to locate and mourn their loved ones in accordance with religious traditions. She emphasized that international humanitarian law requires bodies to be handled with dignity and respect.
Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said recovery efforts are ongoing in the central province as part of the first phase of operations. He noted that teams are working with severely limited equipment and continue to face major challenges due to Israel’s restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery needed to clear debris.
Authorities estimate that more than 9,000 people remain trapped under destroyed buildings across the Gaza Strip.
