7000 Tons of Unexploded Ammunition and Gang Conflicts: Why Gaza Remains Unsafe for Muslims Despite Ceasefire with Israel

Internal Conflicts Among Armed Groups
Besides Hamas, four other armed factions—including the prominent Dagmas and Halas clans—are vying for control in Gaza. Intense clashes have erupted between Hamas and rival groups, resulting in at least 32 Gazans killed in internal strife. Reuters reports that Hamas has mobilized around 7,000 heavily armed fighters to consolidate power over Gaza’s territory.

Collapse of Law and Order
Gaza currently suffers from the absence of effective governance and policing. While Egypt has been temporarily assigned responsibility for law and order, it has yet to deploy troops or establish control. Over 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, forcing many residents to live exposed to the elements or seek shelter in underground bunkers, making daily life precarious and unstable.

Danger from Unexploded Ordinance
A severe and ongoing threat is posed by unexploded bombs. Humanitarian group Handicap International estimates that 70,000 tons of explosives were dropped on Gaza during the conflict, and roughly 10%—amounting to 7,000 tons—remain undetonated. This presents a constant risk of deadly explosions. Airstrikes have further complicated efforts to safely deactivate these explosives, prolonging the danger and preventing civilians from returning to normal life.