In the heart of Gaza City, rescue worker Abdullah al-Majdalawi has shared a chilling sentiment: “I have become afraid of my own memories.” This poignant statement encapsulates the harrowing experiences faced by the Civil Defence workers who have dedicated their lives to saving others amidst the devastation wrought by the ongoing conflict.
Over the past 15 months, Gaza has witnessed thousands of funerals, and during these somber occasions, mourners often place well-worn, dust-covered orange vests over the bodies of deceased rescue workers. These vests, emblematic of the Civil Defence, represent the dedication of those who have risked their lives to pull victims from the rubble.
Facing the immense toll of their work
The toll on the Civil Defence has been staggering; on the first day of the recent ceasefire, the agency reported the loss of 99 rescue workers, with an additional 319 sustaining injuries, some of which are life-altering. “We put the vest there because our colleague sacrificed his soul in it,” explained Nooh al-Shaghnobi, a 24-year-old rescuer, underscoring the gravity of their work and the respect they hold for their fallen comrades.
The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reports that over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, with many being women and children. Furthermore, a study published in the Lancet medical journal suggests the death toll during the initial phase of the conflict may have been underestimated by more than 40%. As the fragile ceasefire holds, the Civil Defence faces an overwhelming task ahead, with estimates indicating that over 10,000 individuals may still be buried beneath the rubble.
Challenges in recovery efforts
In their efforts to locate the missing, the agency relies on information gathered throughout the conflict regarding the occupants of destroyed buildings. In areas previously occupied by Israeli forces, however, information is scarce, necessitating reliance on local residents. Al-Shaghnobi recounted a recent encounter in the Tel el-Hawa neighborhood, where a resident provided crucial information about a demolished apartment building, leading to the discovery of three skeletons.
Despite the immense emotional toll of their work, Civil Defence workers like Al-Shaghnobi have garnered a significant following on social media, where they share their experiences and the stark realities of their jobs. He lamented, “You should become numb as time goes on. But I have become worse. I feel more pain, not less. I find it harder to cope.” The psychological pressures faced by these workers are compounded by the lack of available counseling support, a stark contrast to the extensive assistance promised to recently released Israeli hostages.
Moreover, the recovery operations are hindered by a critical shortage of equipment. Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal pointed out that the agency has only managed to recover 162 bodies since the ceasefire began. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has warned that the recovery of the remaining bodies could take years, exacerbated by the presence of unexploded ordnance and hazardous materials scattered throughout the rubble.
The loss felt by families searching for loved ones adds another layer of tragedy to the situation. Many families, like that of Ali Ashour, are left sifting through remains in hopes of finding their missing relatives. “I believe I will recognise my son immediately, even if his face has no features and he is only a skeleton,” Ashour said, embodying the heartbreaking reality faced by countless families seeking closure.
As the Civil Defence workers continue their tireless efforts, they hope for the necessary equipment to aid in their mission to recover the lost. Al-Shaghnobi reiterated, “These people need to be found and honoured. This work awaits us. All we need is the equipment and we will do it.”