Thousands Buried Under Gaza Rubble May Never Be Identified, Red Cross Warns
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that thousands of Palestinians still trapped beneath Gaza's rubble may never be identified due to delayed recovery operations and worsening conditions.
According to the ICRC, the longer bodies remain buried, the harder it becomes for forensic teams to determine their identities. Decomposition, environmental damage, and the loss of personal belongings, fingerprints, and dental evidence are making identification increasingly difficult.
After nearly two years of war, Gaza is covered by an estimated 61.5 million tonnes of debris, with around three-quarters of buildings damaged or destroyed. Residents fear that military bulldozers operating in some areas may have displaced buried remains, further complicating recovery efforts.
Palestinian Civil Defence officials estimate that around 8,000 bodies remain trapped under rubble, while more than 3,000 people are still missing. Recovery teams continue to face major challenges due to a shortage of heavy machinery, relying mainly on basic tools and manual labour.
The ICRC has repeatedly called for the entry of excavators and other essential equipment, stressing that search teams need access to all sites where human remains are believed to be located.
