In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are diligently searching for their neighbor’s remains in the debris of their former residence using basic tools like shovels and wheelbarrows. Despite the scorching sun overhead, the men work quietly amidst the clatter of shovels and the hum of an electric saw.
Their efforts are focused on recovering the body of a neighbor who was with them when their building was struck by an airstrike in November 2023. With estimates from the Gaza Health Ministry suggesting that thousands of bodies are still trapped under rubble since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, the family relies on manual labor due to the scarcity of excavators.
The lack of available heavy machinery has pushed many Palestinians, including the Al-Drimli family, to resort to manual labor. Ayman Al-Drimli mentioned the high costs and unavailability of equipment, emphasizing the reliance on hands-on methods for the search and recovery process.
In Gaza, the scarcity of functioning excavators poses a significant challenge. Samir Sabra, who operates two excavators, highlighted the exorbitant costs of running the equipment, citing issues with maintenance, spare parts, and fuel shortages.
Uday Sabra, Samir’s son, echoed the struggle, noting the overwhelming demand for their services as they work tirelessly to retrieve remains from various sites across Gaza City. Despite their dedication, the limited number of machines available severely hampers their progress.
The precarious situation in Gaza is further compounded by the destruction of heavy machinery during the conflict. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, highlighted the deliberate targeting of excavators, further exacerbating the challenges of recovery efforts.
Efforts to improve the situation have been hindered by border restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities. Humanitarian aid groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about the obstacles preventing the entry of essential supplies and heavy equipment needed for recovery operations.
Despite the obstacles, Uday Sabra and his team persist in their mission to retrieve the remains, recognizing the long and arduous road ahead. With perseverance and dedication, they continue their search, determined to bring closure to the families affected by the devastation in Gaza.