Overview
- A seven-person Humanity & Inclusion team plans to begin identifying explosive remnants around hospitals and bakeries next week, contingent on permissions.
- Aid groups have not received blanket approval to remove or destroy devices or to import needed equipment, with COGAT restricting items it deems dual use.
- The organization is seeking authorization to import supplies to burn bombs rather than detonate them to reduce the risk of reuse by Hamas.
- A U.S.-brokered ceasefire has created a narrow opening for initial survey work, while experts estimate surface clearance will take 20 to 30 years and deeper threats will endure for generations.
- A U.N.-led database lists at least 53 deaths and hundreds of injuries from explosive remnants, and UNMAS urges mass public warnings and an enabling security force to protect demining operations.