Bodies found in Gaza rubble as ceasefire blocks recovery efforts

Gaza civil defense teams on Thursday retrieved the bodies of 25 Palestinians from the rubble of a destroyed home in Khan Younis, underscoring the lasting toll of Israel’s war on Gaza and the obstacles facing post-war recovery. Among those found were journalist Heba Al-Abadla and her mother, killed during Israeli attacks earlier in 2024, according to local officials.

Search operations under severe constraints

The Gaza Civil Defense said crews are working with basic tools and worn machinery because Israel continues to restrict the entry of heavy equipment needed to clear massive debris. “Search efforts are carried out with simple mechanisms,” the agency said, noting that tons of rubble still cover residential areas in southern Gaza.

Ceasefire disputes and blocked access

Although a ceasefire came into force on Oct. 10, Gaza authorities say Israel has not allowed the machinery required to speed up recovery of bodies buried beneath collapsed structures. Officials accuse Israel of repeated ceasefire violations, arguing that the restrictions prolong humanitarian suffering and delay closure for grieving families.

Families face painful identification process

With limited medical and forensic resources, relatives are often forced to identify loved ones by clothing or remaining physical features. Gaza officials say the war has killed more than 71,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and injured over 171,000 since October 2023, figures that continue to resonate across the region, including in Türkiye, where humanitarian groups closely monitor developments in Gaza.