health
Growing risk that thousands buried in Gaza’s rubble may never be identified, says Red Cross
Exclusive: Recovery efforts remain slow and passing of time makes it more likely they will be skeletonised
TL;DR
- Thousands of Palestinians buried under Gaza's rubble may never be identified as recovery efforts are slow.
- The passage of time leads to advanced decomposition and skeletonization, making identification difficult.
- Lack of heavy machinery hinders rescue teams, who rely on rudimentary tools.
- Requests for excavators and other heavy equipment to enter Gaza have gone unanswered.
- Deterioration of remains and potential displacement of bodies by bulldozers complicate identification.
- Hospitals in Gaza lack equipment for DNA testing, and Israel does not allow these materials to enter.
- Unresolved grief over unidentified loved ones causes psychological distress and trauma for families.
- A cemetery in Deir al-Balah holds over 650 unidentified bodies, with some buried for over two years.
- Families are denied closure and practical assistance, such as orphan aid, without official death certificates.