Gaza: HI runs risk awareness campaigns to protect the population

The relentless bombing and shelling of Gaza has left behind many bombs’ remnants buried in the rubble, posing a major threat to the population. Risk education campaigns are being conducted to teach people how to recognise dangerous explosive devices and what to do when they encounter one.

Over 26,000 sessions in 2024

In 2024, more than 26,000 Explosive Ordnance Risk Education and Conflict Preparedness and Protection sessions were conducted in the Gaza Strip by 80 members of HI’s staff. The sessions were conducted in Rafah (3400 sessions), Khan Younis (7,300 sessions), Middle Area (over 10,200 sessions), and Gaza city (900 sessions).

On average, 14 to 16 people attended the 35-miniute sessions. Each team of awareness specialists conducted around five sessions per day.

Now that a ceasefire has been concluded, many people will attempt to return to their homes. These massive displacements put people in even greater danger as they pass through areas where conflict has wreaked havoc and where many explosive remnants remain. HI is launching a major SMS awareness campaign to help them avoid accidents.

“It is likely that we will see new massive displacement of the population in Gaza following the ceasefire started on January 19th. This time, people will be returning to their homes. Areas with large amount of destruction caused by bombings will witness a large amount of unexploded ordnance as well. This contamination includes a large amount of unexploded ordnance under the rubbles of destroyed buildings and infrastructures.  We are having a massive awareness campaign to support people on how to behave with these dangers.”

Regional Advocacy and Comms Manager, Mara Bernasconi

Over 354,500 people reached in 2024

In 2024, over 354,500 people, of whom 16% had disabilities and 53% were children, benefited from awareness-raising sessions. HI’s teams also launched a series of mass media campaigns using text messaging and radio spots.

"During these sessions, we convey simple but vital messages to displaced people, such as how to recognise a bomb or a missile. We warn them not to approach it, not to touch it, and to alert families and relatives. We explain that the rubble from a destroyed building may contain many explosive remnants, making it dangerous to search through the debris. We also teach people how to protect themselves during a bomb attack by lying flat on the ground with their hands over their neck... All these small actions are essential and can save lives."

Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Project Manager, Mohammed SALEH

Radio and podcasts

Two local radio stations broadcast 17 spots during 2024. Between April and July, seven spots were broadcast over 900 times on two local radio stations to inform people of the risks posed by unexploded ordnance, and about how to protect themselves during a bombing.  Over 750.000 listeners were reached in the Gaza Strip.

A further 10 spots were broadcasted 750 times on local radio stations in November and December, reaching more than 500,000 listeners in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, 10 podcasts were shared in December on social media and podcast platforms such as Facebook, X, apple podcasts, and Spotify, reaching some 41.000 people.

Over 8 million text messages

With so many people on the move, it's sometimes difficult to reach people. To ensure that as many people as possible are reached, over 8 million SMS messages with prevention information were sent in 2024.

HI’s teams also ran safety training sessions for 537 humanitarian workers and rescue teams in Gaza Strip.

The objective of this safety training was to help them adopt safe behaviour when going to or working in locations that may be contaminated with explosive ordnance.

In the West Bank

As violence escalates in the West Bank and the risks associated with unexploded ordnance increase, HI has trained 89 community-based agents in Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron on risk education, with plans to train 62 additional agents in 2025 to conduct public awareness sessions.