The Chief of the UN Mine Action Programme (UNMAS) in the State of Palestine, Mungo Birch, has warned that Gaza is now at its most dangerous period as mine clearance experts continue to work in the Strip.
Birch said that once people start returning to the north, accidents are likely to occur as they will not be aware of where unexploded ordnance is located. He stressed the importance of being ready to provide the necessary risk education when people begin to return.
The head of UN peacekeeping and mine action, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also emphasised the importance of a humanitarian ceasefire as a priority.
"A humanitarian ceasefire remains a “priority”, insisted the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and Chair of the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action, along with providing “much more humanitarian assistance to Gaza”, once deminers and weapons experts deem that it is safe to do so."
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