In Gaza City, members of the Al-Drimli family are painstakingly searching through the debris of their former home, using basic tools like shovels, buckets, and a wheelbarrow, hoping to find the remains of a neighbour who was with them when the building was destroyed in an airstrike back in November 2023.
Despite the scorching midday sun, the men tirelessly dig, their faces shielded by orange towels or hoods. The relentless clanging of shovels and the hum of an electric saw echo in the air as they move rubble from the site to a growing pile nearby.
Having already found the bodies of their relatives, the Al-Drimli family is now focused on locating their missing neighbour. The Gaza Health Ministry estimates that thousands of bodies may still be buried under the rubble from the conflict between Israel and Hamas nearly three years ago.
Due to a severe shortage of excavators in Gaza, families like the Al-Drinlis have no choice but to rely on manual labor to uncover the remains of their loved ones. Speaking to a freelance videographer, Ayman Al-Drimli explained that the high cost and limited availability of equipment make hand-digging the only viable option.
Reports indicate that there are only a handful of operational excavators in Gaza, with maintenance challenges and a lack of essential resources like oil and spare parts further complicating the situation. Samir Sabra, who operates two of the few remaining excavators in the region, highlighted the financial strain of keeping the machines running amid soaring costs.
Meanwhile, Uday Sabra, Samir’s son, works tirelessly alongside the Palestinian Civil Defence at different sites, responding to calls for assistance in retrieving remains. The overwhelming demand for their services underscores the urgent need for more heavy machinery to expedite the recovery process.
Despite ceasefire agreements aimed at facilitating the entry of equipment for clearing rubble, progress has been slow on the ground. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, emphasized the critical role of heavy machinery in expediting the recovery efforts and stressed the urgent need for international support to address the ongoing challenges.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is further exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on essential supplies like fuel, oil, and spare parts, hindering the maintenance of crucial equipment. Calls have been made for increased international intervention to alleviate the suffering of those affected and expedite the recovery and rebuilding process.
As Uday Sabra continues his arduous work at the rubble-strewn site in Gaza City, he remains resolute in his commitment to providing closure to families and honoring the memory of the deceased, despite the daunting challenges they face in the aftermath of the conflict.