Gaza Recovery Operation Yields Dozens of Bodies as Over 150 Remain Missing Under Rubble

Gaza civil defense teams have recovered the bodies of 40 children and 38 women from recent Israeli airstrikes, while officials warn that over 150 people remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Civil Defense Recovers Dozens of Bodies

The Gaza Civil Defense reported the recovery of bodies including 40 children, 38 women, and seven individuals with disabilities following Israeli airstrikes. Among the victims of these military operations were numerous women and children.

Humanitarian Search Efforts and Challenges

The Agence France-Presse (AFP) noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is supporting the search operations conducted by the Palestinian civil defense. ICRC Gaza spokesperson Amani al-Naouq emphasized that searching for the missing and recovering bodies is a humanitarian issue of critical importance.

Scale of Destruction Hampering Rescue Operations

Colonel Mohammed AbouDan, who is leading the recovery operation in Gaza, stated that more than 150 people may still be under the rubble. He highlighted that the search for missing persons involves manually sifting through concrete blocks and collapsed metal structures.

AFP reported estimates that several thousand people are considered missing in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli military attacks spanning from 2023 to 2025. Local authorities believe most of them likely died beneath the ruins of destroyed buildings.

Verification Difficulties and Independent Access

AFP noted that establishing the exact death toll from Israeli attacks is extremely difficult due to the massive scale of destruction and limited access for search teams to many areas. The agency stressed that because of restrictions imposed on the media and difficult access to the Gaza Strip, its journalists could not independently verify information provided by Palestinian authorities.

Trump’s Peace Council Agreement and Disarmament Stance

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the Peace Council he leads has reached an agreement regarding the disarmament of Hamas. Hamas leaders confirmed the following day that they accept the terms of the agreement, but will only comply once Israel fulfills its obligations. Meanwhile, the Israeli side stated that its forces will remain in the Gaza Strip until Hamas lays down its arms.