SAFA-  The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned of the ongoing danger posed by unexploded ordnance in Gaza, highlighting the serious risks it poses to children amid widespread destruction across the territory because of the ongoing Israeli genocide. 

UNRWA said remnants of Israeli war continue to threaten civilian lives, particularly children who live and play among damaged buildings and debris.

The agency cited estimates from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which indicate that between 5% and 10% of the munitions fired into Gaza failed to explode on impact, leaving behind hidden explosives that could detonate at any time. UNRWA said these remnants of war pose an ongoing humanitarian threat, particularly in heavily damaged residential areas where displaced families have returned.

To reduce the risk of injuries and deaths, UNRWA teams, trained and supported by UNMAS, are conducting awareness sessions to teach children how to recognize potential explosive hazards.

The agency said the activities emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious objects, refraining from touching them, and immediately reporting them to the relevant authorities.

The United Nations has repeatedly identified unexploded ordnance as one of the most serious humanitarian challenges facing Gaza after months of Israeli military attacks. UN officials have warned that clearing explosive remnants will require highly specialized operations and could take years because of the vast scale of destruction across the enclave.

Humanitarian organizations continue to call for sustained international support to remove unexploded ordnance and protect civilians, particularly children, from preventable injuries and deaths.