Explosives, mines and white phosphorus clean-up operation

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has begun removing 600,000MT of rubble and debris left over from Israel's Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. More than six months later, the most deadly threat to civilians emanates from unexploded ordnance (UXO) in rubble and underground. Falling rubble and hazardous material, including UXO, have killed 17 and injured at least 25 Palestinians, mostly children, since the operation ended on 18 January, according to UNDP in Gaza. At least 31 munitions containing white phosphorus have been found. Israel's use of white phosphorus in Gaza was initially denied but was recently acknowledged in an official report but with the claim that it was used only in a manner consistent with relevant international law. Kerei Ruru, head of the UN Mine Action Team Gaza Office (UNMAT-GO), has been working in Gaza since the end of January to locate and neutralize the UXO. "Some 4,000 housing units were completely destroyed in the bombardment and UXO risks assessments are conducted on each of the sites," said Ruru.