Gaza civil defense launches campaign to recover thousands buried under rubble

Palestinian civil defense teams launched a campaign Sunday to recover the bodies of thousands of Palestinians still trapped under rubble in northern Gaza, beginning with the destroyed home of the Abu Nasr family in Beit Lahia. The initiative, titled "Dignifying the Martyrs," marks the first organized effort to retrieve remains from sites where Israeli airstrikes buried entire families during the two-year war.

Abu Nasr Massacre Remembered

The Abu Nasr family home, a five-story building sheltering approximately 200 people—family members and displaced individuals—was struck by an Israeli airstrike on Oct. 29, 2024. Survivor Aya Abu Nasr told Anadolu that roughly 150 people were killed, dozens wounded, and many remain trapped beneath the rubble. "More than a year later, the family is still waiting to recover the remains of those still buried to bury them properly," she said, holding up photos of her missing brother Mohammed.

Thousands Missing, Equipment Lacking

Civil Defense officer Mohammed Tamous stated that the campaign will expand to multiple sites across northern Gaza, focusing on homes believed to contain large numbers of bodies. Official estimates indicate approximately 9,500 Palestinians remain missing under rubble throughout the Strip. Tamous noted that crews lack sufficient bulldozers and machinery, with one vehicle provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross. He called on humanitarian organizations to supply additional equipment.

Hazardous Conditions, Ongoing Toll

Rescue workers operate in hazardous conditions, with decomposing bodies in exposed areas and limited access to protective gear and biological testing tools due to Israeli restrictions. Gaza's Health Ministry reported Sunday that 726 bodies have been recovered since the Oct. 10 ceasefire. The two-year war killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, wounded over 171,000, and destroyed approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure. At least 601 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,600 injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect.