Civil Defense in Gaza Recovering the bodies of martyrs from under the rubble could take 8 years

The spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, Mahmoud Bassal, confirmed that the process of recovering all the bodies of the martyrs from under the rubble could take approximately eight years, given the scale of the widespread destruction and the difficulty of accessing many of the targeted sites.

In radio statements, Bassal explained that estimates indicate there are around 8,000 bodies under the rubble, noting that the actual number is higher, with additional bodies being discovered daily.

He added that the bodies of martyrs remain under the rubble of buildings and homes that are currently inaccessible, particularly in areas east of and near Salah al-Din Street, in the neighborhoods of Zeitoun, Tuffah, and Shuja’iyya, as well as in Rafah and Khan Younis.

He warned of the possibility that some bodies may be completely lost due to the ongoing bombings, bulldozing operations, and changes in the terrain in those areas.

In a related context, Bassal revealed that a number of his colleagues have died from what he described as unknown illnesses, which he said were caused by inhaling toxic fumes during the recovery operations for the martyrs and the missing. He also warned of the dangers of winter approaching, with thousands of residents living under partially collapsed buildings and concrete roofs. He pointed out that walls and concrete pillars hanging precariously above destroyed homes pose a threat to the lives of residents and displaced people in densely populated neighborhoods.

Civil defense teams in the Gaza Strip are facing significant difficulties in recovering the bodies of martyrs and missing persons, given the widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure, and the limited resources and equipment needed to remove rubble and reach affected areas.