In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are engaged in a painstaking search for their neighbor’s remains amidst the debris of their demolished home. Using basic tools like shovels, buckets, and a wheelbarrow, they work tirelessly under the scorching sun. The rhythmic clanging of shovels against rubble and the hum of an electric saw create a somber soundtrack as they sift through the remnants of a six-story building struck by an airstrike in November 2023.
Having already found the remains of their own family members at the site, the Al-Drimli family is now focused on locating their neighbor, who was present during the building’s destruction. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bodies remain trapped under the rubble nearly three years after the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Limited access to excavators in Gaza has forced many Palestinians, including the Al-Drimli family, to rely on manual labor due to the high costs and scarcity of heavy equipment. Ayman Al-Drimli expressed the challenges they face in obtaining machinery, citing the exorbitant prices and lack of availability.
The scarcity of functioning excavators in Gaza is a pressing issue, as highlighted by Samir Sabra and his son Uday Sabra, who operate two of the few remaining machines in the region. The steep cost of essential resources like oil poses a significant barrier to their operations, making it difficult to sustain their equipment.
Despite the ceasefire agreement reached last October, which aimed to facilitate the entry of heavy machinery for debris clearance, the situation on the ground remains unchanged. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, attributes the shortage of excavators to deliberate targeting during the conflict. He emphasized the urgent need for more equipment to expedite the recovery efforts and ensure closure for the families of the deceased.
Border restrictions imposed by Israel on crucial supplies such as fuel, oil, and spare parts have further impeded recovery operations in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations and the United Nations have raised concerns about the hindrances caused by these restrictions, calling for international intervention to address the pressing need for heavy equipment in the region.
As Uday Sabra continues his arduous task of excavating the rubble in Gaza City, he remains steadfast in his commitment to providing closure for the families of the victims. Despite the challenges they face, the Sabra family and others like them persevere in their mission to locate and honor the deceased amidst the lingering devastation.
