MAG, through our partner Save Youth Future Society (SYFS), has now reached 300,000 people in Gaza with essential information to help protect themselves and their families from the ongoing threat of unexploded bombs.
As the conflict continues and the humanitarian situation remains critical, MAG and SYFS teams are working in highly challenging conditions to reach affected communities with life-saving risk education.
Since the escalation of hostilities on March 18th, more than 428,000 people have been newly displaced, according to the Site Management Cluster. Many are living among debris or returning to areas heavily impacted by recent bombardments, where the threat from unexploded munitions remains high.
The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that more than 50 million tonnes of debris now cover Gaza. Among the rubble are explosive remnants such as munition fragments, mortars, tank rounds, and aircraft bombs. The full extent of contamination is not yet known, as access for comprehensive survey and clearance is currently limited.
For families simply trying to survive, knowing how to identify and avoid these risks is vital.
MAG, in collaboration with SYFS – a Palestinian non-profit organisation – is supporting trained teams to deliver explosive ordnance risk education sessions in Gaza City, the Middle Area, Khan Younis, and North Gaza.
Despite insecurity, movement restrictions, and repeated displacement, these teams have continued to operate, adapting their methods to reach people wherever possible.
During periods of ceasefire, the focus was on reaching families returning to their homes, distributing printed safety messages, holding emergency briefings, and placing public warnings along major roads and access points.
As conflict has resumed, teams have shifted to mobile delivery, providing sessions in neighbourhoods, informal learning centres, and at food and water distribution points. These sessions help civilians understand the risks, recognise explosive items, and know what actions to take to stay safe.
MAG and SYFS are also exploring ways to integrate basic first aid guidance and psychosocial support messaging into their risk education, offering families not only safety information but also tools to support their wellbeing.
In all conflicts, civilians pay the highest price. MAG’s work in Gaza is focused solely on helping people stay safe and prevent injury.
We remain committed to communities facing the greatest risks, wherever they are, and continue to stand alongside them with practical, life-saving support.
Support for this project was provided through grants from UMCOR and the Canadian Government.
