Growing risk that thousands buried in Gaza’s rubble may never be identified, says Red Cross

Growing Risk That Thousands Buried in Gaza’s Rubble May Never Be Identified, Says Red Cross

Growing risk that thousands buried in Gaza - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has raised concerns about the increasing likelihood that thousands of Palestinians trapped beneath the rubble in Gaza will never be identified. According to the Guardian, the organization has warned that the delay in recovery efforts is creating a critical challenge for families seeking closure. With over 61 million tonnes of debris scattered across the region, the task of locating and identifying victims has grown exponentially more complex. This debris, equivalent to 20 times the total amount generated in global conflicts since 2008, has been accumulating since the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States took effect in October.

Slow Progress in Recovery Efforts

Health officials in Gaza estimate that at least 10,000 individuals are buried under the rubble, though some experts suggest the number could be as high as 14,000. Despite the scale of the crisis, search teams have been limited to basic tools such as shovels, pickaxes, and rakes. The lack of heavy machinery like excavators has slowed progress, with repeated calls to Israel for their use going unanswered. Pat Griffiths, the ICRC’s spokesperson in Jerusalem, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “The longer human remains remain beneath the rubble, the more difficult their identification becomes,” he stated. “As time passes, decomposition sets in, and even skeletonization is possible by the time the bodies are uncovered.”

"Forensic experts lose access to circumstantial evidence that can confirm an identity," Griffiths added. "This includes details about where and when a body was found, as well as personal belongings or unique physical characteristics. Without these clues, the process of identification becomes increasingly uncertain."

The ICRC has stressed the need for heavy machinery to expedite recovery. “Search and recovery teams require access to all sites where remains are suspected,” Griffiths explained. “Currently, much of the necessary equipment is still unable to enter Gaza, and it is our responsibility to advocate for its deployment through ongoing dialogue with the relevant authorities.” The delay in accessing these tools has not only hindered the identification process but also raised fears that crucial evidence may be lost forever.

Decomposition and the Loss of Identifying Clues

Dr. Cristina Cattaneo, a forensic pathology professor at the University of Milan, highlighted the detrimental effect of time on identification. “The longer bodies remain undisturbed, the greater the chance that vital information is destroyed,” she noted. “In the early stages, distinguishing features like facial structure or fingerprints can still be preserved. However, as decomposition progresses, these traits are often eroded, leaving only bones and fragmented remains.”

"Ultimately, time is the greatest obstacle to identification," Cattaneo said. "Under normal conditions, environmental factors and weathering take between six months and a year to reduce a body to skeletal remains. But in Gaza, this process has accelerated, making it harder to determine who is buried in the rubble."

Dr. Ahmed Dahir, the director of forensic medicine in Gaza, provided a stark example of the situation. “We have recovered bodies that were missing for just two weeks, only to find them reduced to bones with signs of animal scavenging,” he stated. “Without proper preservation, these remains offer little to no chance of being matched to missing persons.” The ICRC warns that environmental factors, such as humidity and exposure to elements, along with the movement of debris, further complicate the process. “Remains can be displaced, personal effects destroyed, or clues scattered,” the organization said. “This creates a situation where even the most advanced forensic techniques may fail.”

The Role of Heavy Machinery

Witnesses have expressed worry that Israeli military bulldozers, operating in areas controlled by the Defense Forces, may be inadvertently relocating bodies still buried in the rubble. This activity could disrupt the chain of evidence, making it harder for families to locate their loved ones. While the ICRC did not specify which groups were most affected, it stressed the importance of using heavy machinery with caution. “In any armed conflict, the use of machinery must be carefully managed to avoid disturbing remains,” the spokesperson said. “This is not only to preserve the dignity of the deceased but also to protect the integrity of the identification process.”

Amid these challenges, a temporary cemetery in Deir al-Balah has been established to store unidentified bodies. Each grave is numbered and documented, offering a hope that future advancements in technology or new evidence might allow for identification. Ziad Obeid, the head of the cemeteries department, noted that the site now holds over 650 remains. “Some of these bodies have been buried for more than two years,” he said, underscoring the prolonged nature of the crisis. As the war enters its third year, the emotional toll on families continues to mount, with many unable to find closure.

Efforts to Preserve Evidence

Forensic teams rely on a combination of methods to identify victims, including age, sex, height, and biological markers such as fingerprints or dental records. However, the ICRC warns that these techniques are only effective if the remains are recovered promptly. “The longer bodies remain in the rubble, the greater the risk that essential evidence is lost,” the organization said. “This can happen through physical displacement, environmental damage, or even the destruction of personal items.”

While the ICRC has not singled out any specific groups, it has called for greater cooperation to ensure that the identification process is not compromised. “The situation is dire, but with improved access to tools and a coordinated effort, we could still make progress,” Griffiths said. “The key is to act quickly before the evidence is no longer recoverable.” The challenge now lies in balancing the need for rapid recovery with the preservation of clues that could help identify the deceased. As the months pass, the risk of losing these critical details grows, leaving families with the haunting possibility that their loved ones may never be recognized.