Since the escalation of hostilities in Gaza after 7 October 2023, explosive ordnance has become increasingly widespread throughout the Strip. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (also known as EOD) teams have encountered aerial bombs, mortars, rockets, all-caliber projectiles, grenades and improvised explosive devices. The Gaza context also deals with Deep Buried Bombs which can be found deep within infrastructures and rubble.
The likely levels of contamination by explosive ordnance in Gaza put civilians and humanitarian personnel living and operating in the Strip at risk and limit the humanitarian community’s ability to provide aid to those who need it. In response to this threat, UNMAS conducts explosive hazard assessments - or EHAs - of sites that are used to provide humanitarian aid to conflict-affected communities.