What's happened
Following the Gaza ceasefire that began on October 10, families are returning home, but unexploded ordnance poses deadly risks. Children have been wounded, and at least 68,500 Palestinians have died in the conflict. Humanitarian concerns about medical shortages and ongoing violence persist amid the fragile calm.
What's behind the headline?
The Gaza ceasefire, while a critical step toward reducing immediate hostilities, exposes the region's ongoing peril from unexploded ordnance and the broader humanitarian crisis. The return of families to damaged areas increases the risk of injury or death, especially among children, as evidenced by recent wounds sustained by twins Yahya and Nabila. The high death toll—over 68,500 Palestinians—underscores the devastating impact of the conflict. International warnings about explosive risks highlight the danger of a 'death trap' scenario, which could prolong instability and hinder reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, the displacement of Israelis and the sharp rise in emigration reflect a broader regional instability, with political unrest and security concerns fueling a 'tsunami' of departures. The lack of a clear plan from Israeli authorities to address emigration and the ongoing violence in Gaza suggest that the region remains on a precarious edge, with the potential for renewed escalation. The situation demands urgent international attention to de-mine Gaza, address medical shortages, and foster sustainable peace efforts to prevent further tragedy.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports on the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and the injuries to children, emphasizing the ongoing risks in Gaza. The Independent provides detailed accounts of the injuries and the broader humanitarian crisis, including the death toll and medical shortages. AP News highlights the medical conditions of injured children and the threat of unexploded bombs. The Times of Israel discusses the significant emigration of Israelis due to the conflict, illustrating regional instability. Al Jazeera offers personal stories of Palestinian families displaced and affected by the war, emphasizing the human toll and ongoing fears of renewed violence. These sources collectively paint a comprehensive picture of a region in fragile recovery, with persistent dangers and political upheaval shaping the current landscape.
How we got here
The recent ceasefire in Gaza was brokered after two years of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in over 68,500 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction. During the conflict, many Palestinians were displaced, and the region remains heavily mined with unexploded ordnance. The ceasefire has allowed some families to return home, but dangers such as unexploded bombs and ongoing military activity continue to threaten civilians. The conflict has also led to a significant emigration of Israelis and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with many residents facing shortages of medical supplies and risking further violence.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Risks After the Gaza Ceasefire?
The Gaza ceasefire has brought some relief, but dangers still lurk beneath the surface. Unexploded landmines and bombs pose serious threats to returning residents, especially children. Many are asking: what dangers remain, and how can they be mitigated? Here are the key questions and answers about the ongoing risks in Gaza following the ceasefire.
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What Are the Key Global Political and Security Hotspots Today?
In a rapidly changing world, understanding the major conflicts and security concerns is crucial. From regional tensions to international diplomacy, explore the biggest issues shaping global stability right now and find out how different powers are responding to these challenges.
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How Do Recent Global Events Impact International Relations and Security?
Recent headlines reveal a complex web of international developments, from conflicts and diplomatic shifts to regional tensions and leadership changes. Understanding these events helps clarify how they influence global stability, security, and diplomacy. Below, explore key questions about the latest news and what it means for the world.
More on these topics
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Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
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Unexploded ordnance, unexploded bombs, and explosive remnants of war are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, sometimes many decades after they were used or discarded.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: