In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are using basic tools like shovels, buckets, and a wheelbarrow to search through the debris of their former home for a missing neighbor. The men work silently under the intense midday sun, with the clanging of shovels and the buzzing of an electric saw as the only sounds.
The family had already found the remains of their loved ones at the site, but they are now focused on locating the neighbor who was with them when the building was destroyed by an airstrike in November 2023. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, there are an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bodies still buried under the rubble nearly three years after the conflict between Israel and Hamas began.
Due to the scarcity of excavators in Gaza, many Palestinians, including the Al-Drimli family, are resorting to manual labor due to the high cost and limited availability of heavy equipment. Ayman Al-Drimli mentioned to a CBC News videographer that they have no choice but to work with their hands as equipment is expensive and scarce.
The shortage of functioning excavators in Gaza is a significant challenge, with only about a dozen barely operational machines in the region. Samir Sabra and his son, Uday Sabra, who operate two of the remaining excavators, highlighted the high costs of maintenance and the scarcity of spare parts and fuel, making it difficult to keep the machines running efficiently.
Despite the ceasefire agreement last October, which aimed to facilitate the entry of heavy machinery to clear debris and assist in recovery efforts, there has been little progress on the ground. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, mentioned that heavy machinery was targeted during the conflict, leading to a severe shortage now.
Border restrictions imposed by Israel on fuel, oil, and spare parts are hindering efforts to maintain essential machinery in Gaza. These restrictions have slowed down the process of recovering remains under the rubble. The United Nations and humanitarian aid groups have called for action to address the challenges faced in accessing heavy equipment in the region.
Uday Sabra, operating one of the family’s excavators, continues to dig through the rubble in Gaza City, determined to help retrieve the remains of those lost in the conflict. Despite the ongoing challenges, he remains committed to providing closure and peace for the deceased.
