Unexploded bombs weighing approximately 1,000 pounds have been discovered in schools and on roads in Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees. The findings emerged after Israeli forces withdrew from the area last week following months of intense air strikes and bombardments that began on October 7.

UNRWA reported that a recent assessment mission conducted in Khan Yunis revealed substantial risks for civilians and aid workers due to the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXOs). These hazardous remnants pose significant obstacles to the safe delivery of essential humanitarian aid, including health services, water, sanitation, and food support, particularly for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.

The Israeli military has sustained an aggressive campaign in Gaza, contributing to widespread infrastructure damage and displacement. The detection of large unexploded bombs underscores ongoing security and humanitarian challenges facing the area as efforts to stabilize and rebuild begin.

Earlier this month, the United Nations indicated that cleaning up unexploded munitions across the Gaza Strip would require millions of dollars and potentially span several years. Charles Birch, head of the UN Mine Action Service, noted that an estimated 10 percent of ordnance fails to detonate as intended, creating enduring dangers for civilians returning to their homes. He estimated that initiating clearance operations in Gaza would cost around $45 million.

The presence of UXOs in public spaces, including schools, highlights a critical threat to the safety of returning residents and complicates humanitarian efforts in a densely populated and heavily damaged urban environment. UN agencies have called for increased funding and international support to address the explosive hazards and facilitate access to lifesaving assistance for displaced populations in Gaza.