According to reports by Al Jazeera, at least 53 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured after encountering explosive devices left behind during the conflict. Many families are now living in fear, as returning to their destroyed neighbourhoods has become a life-threatening act.
In areas where heavy bombardment occurred, buildings that appear safe often conceal unexploded shells or bombs buried beneath rubble. Humanitarian groups have warned that the danger is widespread and could take months to clear. One aid official said the situation 'turns every step into a risk,' calling for urgent international support for de-mining operations.
While residents attempt to recover what remains of their homes, Hamas has announced an intensified effort to locate the 13 remaining bodies of Israeli captives within Gaza. The group confirmed that it is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross and Egyptian technical teams to search behind Israeli military withdrawal lines.
The ongoing recovery and clearance efforts highlight the devastating human and environmental toll left by the conflict. Aid organisations say that ensuring safety is now the top priority before large-scale reconstruction can begin. For many families, however, the psychological impact is already immense; the relief of returning home has been replaced by fear of hidden dangers and the painful memory of loved ones lost.
Experts warn that rebuilding Gaza will take far longer than expected unless explosive-clearance operations are fully supported and coordinated.
'It is not just about rebuilding houses, it is about rebuilding a sense of safety,' a humanitarian worker said.
The search for the missing captives, coupled with the ongoing risks from unexploded bombs, paints a grim picture of Gaza's fragile recovery. Despite the ceasefire, civilians continue to live amid fear, loss and uncertainty, as the remnants of war continue to claim lives long after the fighting has stopped.
Rania Umutoni
