In the heart of Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are diligently searching for the remains of their friend and neighbor amidst the debris of their former residence. Armed with shovels, buckets, a wheelbarrow, and sheer determination, they navigate through the rubble under the scorching midday sun. The rhythmic clanging of shovels against debris and the hum of an electric saw create a backdrop of solemnity.
The family, having already recovered the remains of their loved ones, now focuses on locating a neighbor who was present during the building’s destruction in an airstrike back in November 2023. The lingering aftermath of the conflict has left an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bodies buried under the debris, a haunting reminder of the toll of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Due to the scarcity of excavators in Gaza, families like the Al-Drimlis are compelled to rely on manual labor to sift through the rubble for closure. Ayman Al-Drimli emphasized the challenges, citing the exorbitant cost and scarcity of equipment in the region. The limited availability of functional excavators, with only a handful reported in operation, further exacerbates the situation.
Operating two of the few remaining excavators in Gaza, Samir Sabra and his son Uday face daunting obstacles in maintaining their equipment. The exorbitant costs of operation, including the steep price of essential oil, present significant financial barriers. Despite their best efforts, the ongoing shortage of maintenance supplies and spare parts hinders their ability to meet the overwhelming demand for their services.
The dire situation is compounded by the history of heavy machinery being targeted during the conflict, leaving a critical shortage in the region. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, highlighted the deliberate destruction of equipment during the war, further exacerbating the current scarcity. Efforts to secure additional machinery have been impeded by border restrictions and logistical challenges, prolonging the arduous task of recovering remains.
Amidst the adversity, Uday Sabra and the Civil Defence continue their relentless pursuit, striving to provide closure for families and honor the deceased. The ongoing struggle underscores the urgent need for international support to address the equipment shortages and facilitate the recovery process in Gaza.