Over the past two and a half years, explosive ordnance contamination across the Occupied Palestinian Territory has proliferated. Aside from the threat to life and limb, the presence of explosive ordnance shrinks the already restricted space available for humanitarian and civilian activities.
Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, humanitarian mine action partners have worked with communities and humanitarian partners to minimize the impact of explosive ordnance contamination. By teaching communities and humanitarian personnel about explosive threats, assessing places and roads for these threats, and supporting people who have been injured by ordnance and their families, the sector aims to support people to navigate explosive threats more safely.
Stories of Hope highlights the stories of communities, humanitarians, and youth leaders who are reclaiming their futures. Read about Ahmed, an elderly survivor in Gaza who cares for his family and rebuilds a livelihood after losing the use of his arm, and youth volunteers in the West Bank who empower their communities with lifesaving safety knowledge. Hear how farmers are returning land to productive use and feeding their families, or how young Yousef went from unknowingly playing near explosive remnants to protecting his friends. These stories offer a glimpse into how mine action goes beyond technical assessments, playing a critical enabling role for humanitarian, early recovery and community activities.
Read more here: https://unmas.org/en/document-library/unmas-opt-stories-of-hope
