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Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) from Operation Cast Lead poses a direct threat to the physical security of communities, internally displaced persons and UN and humanitarian actors living and working in Gaza. The existence of UXO also hinders the already-difficult tasks of reconstructing homes and essential infrastructure, and redeveloping the means for livelihoods. Thus, under the coordination of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) the United Nations Mine Action Team – Gaza Office (UNMAT-GO) was established to provide a rapid response towards neutralising the threat of UXO: coordinating Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, providing UXO safety training for humanitarian workers and raising awareness amongst the local population. The Threat While anti-tank mines were used to demolish buildings, there is no evidence that landmines were laid by either side. The key threat is from UXO, largely Mark 80 series General Purpose High Explosive (HE) aircraft bombs ranging from 500-2000lbs, Guided Bomb Units, 120mm tank rounds HE, 120 and 155mm Artillery shells containing HE and White Phosphorous (WP), various calibre mortar rounds (60mm – 120mm WP, Illumination & HE), various ordnance delivered from Apache Helicopters, 76mm Naval ordnance, as well as a range of Infantry weapons small arms ammunition and 40mm HE grenades. Local authorities possess a limited EOD capacity and conducted some surface clearance of UXO during, and in the days immediately following the conflict. While it has proven difficult to gather precise data on accidents involving UXO since the bombardment ended, the Gaza Ministry of Health has reported that 7 civilians (including 6 children) have been killed and a further 26 injured in 8 incidents since 23 January. |
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MINE ACTION & RUBBLE REMOVAL 4,036 housing units were completely destroyed in the bombardment, with a further 11,514 partially damaged. While a number are known to have been razed mechanically, a large proportion were struck with 500 – 2000 lbs aircraft bombs, as well as other naval, air and ground delivered ordnance containing both high explosives and white phosphorous. There is thus a high probability that significant quantities of UXO remain in the rubble. UNMAT will provide risk assessment, EOD and awareness training services to ensure that the estimated 9,000 Palestinians involved in this complicated task are able to do so with the minimum possible threat of injury or death from UXO. |
The threat in the rubble
Risk assessments have only recently begun (in late April 2009). Of the 215 buildings assessed so far, 49% were classed as having a high or medium risk of UXO contamination thus requiring EOD follow-up. If this trend continues, it can be estimated that more than 7,000 buildings in Gaza are likely and 1,500 are very likely to contain unstable UXO. Detonation of just one large item of ordnance during rubble removal could cause death or injury to large numbers of Palestinian laborers working on the site, and to surrounding communities. Heavy-lifting machinery (which is already in short supply in Gaza) and surrounding infrastructure would likely be damaged. Experience from rubble removal projects in other countries has shown that any accidents or incidents involving UXO set the overall process back and thus delay reconstruction and recovery.
Damage to livelihoods
Significant damage was inflicted upon other livelihoods sectors: for example, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 12,000 hectares of agricultural land was damaged during the bombardment, while irrigation trenches and equipment were targeted extensively. UNMAT will lay the foundations for rehabilitation of these lands and facilities by providing assessments and removing ordnance. UNMAT will also remove and destroy other explosive remnants of war as requested and permitted by the de facto authorities, UN agencies and NGOs. In addition, close to 100 “impact holes” have been located, which are believed to contain ordnance which failed to explode and is now buried sub-surface; UNMAT will work to remove and destroy these items. A 24/7 call-out service will also be provided in the case of emergencies.
What is UXO?
UXO by definition has been prepared for use, and fired, dropped, launched or projected, but remains unexploded. It is often sensitive to movement and may explode when touched or otherwise disturbed. UNMAT-GO will work to remove and destroy these items of UXO as requested and permitted by the de facto authorities, UN agencies and NGOs, so that they do not continue to pose a threat to the civilian population in Gaza.
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Mine Action: Who does it? The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS): The unique political and security situation in Gaza requires a well-coordinated approach between international humanitarian organizations operating in the area, and local authorities. UNMAS – under the Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions – was designated the UN mine action focal point in 1997. UNMAS mobilized into Gaza on 23 January 2009 to conduct a technical assessment mission, and to establish a mine action project in response to Operation Cast Lead, and offices have since been opened in Gaza and Jerusalem. A Programme Manager, Security Officer, Support Specialist and Programme Officer now coordinate the operations of implementing partner EOD, community liaison and awareness-raising teams, and provide technical advice to UN agencies and NGOs. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) provides an inkind operations officer and medical coordinator. |
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Mines Advisory Group
British-based NGO Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has been the key implementing partner for UNMAT. MAG deployed two of its directors to Gaza in mid January to coordinate and plan with representatives of UNMAS. This was followed by the deployment of MAG’s technical personnel to Gaza from the 23rd January . MAG immediately commenced assessment of schools, health facilities and responded to reports of UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) contamination. 5 EOD teams have removed and rendered safe UXO across the Gaza Strip and conducted assessments in support of the operations of humanitarian and development organizations. UXO safety briefings for UN agencies and NGOs, promoting safe behavior for those working in Gaza. Medical support to MAG is provided by the Canadian-based organization GlobalMedic.
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ACHIEVEMENTS UNMAT’s achievements as of 15 May 2009 include: · the opening of all arterial roads in the Gaza strip permitting much-needed access for humanitarian relief · the survey and clearance of all known contaminated schools in Gaza (38 UNICEF-supported government schools and 4 UNRWA schools) · clearance of all UN facilities · survey and clearance of a number of high-priority buildings and areas, including hospitals, clinics, market places and warehousing for organisations including the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Relief Works Agency, Disaster Waste Reduction, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Community Housing Foundation International. These achievements are particularly significant in the context of the complex operating environment, with access for staff, goods and equipment extremely limited, and security concerns hampering many operations. Crucially, a majority of this work has been undertaken in support of and at the request of UN agencies and NGOs in Gaza, enabling them to resume operations and plan for future work. |
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Still to be achieved: Assessments : · 285 homes and 15 government buildings for UNDP (before 15 June 09) · 301 buildings in IDP “camps” for UNRWA · A further 2 assessments of sites containing 39 homes for CHF · Various other small-scale rubble-removal assessments for NGOs Training: It is expected that up to 9000 rubble removal workers and supervisors/team leaders will receive “rubble removal & UXO safety” trainings. EOD support: Of 198 buildings assessed to date: · 10% have been classified as “high-risk”. An EOD team will thus assist the site supervisor to devise clearance plans, and be present on the site during some or all of the rubble removal process. · 39% are medium risk. An EOD team will be on-site or available at 60mins notice. · EOD teams will remain on stand-by to respond to reports of UXO discovered in the rubble of destroyed/damaged buildings. · Assessment and clearance of agricultural lands (12,000 Hectares destroyed, extensive bombing of equipment and irrigation systems · Approximately 300 tunnel houses requiring checking for UXO · EOD support to other livelihoods and reconstruction projects as requested · Investigation of close to 100 impact holes suspected to contain UXO (including excavation |
Document Type: Newsletter
Document Sources: Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Subject: Casualties, Economic issues, Environmental issues, Gaza Strip, Incursions, Living conditions, Security issues
Publication Date: 03/06/2009