The harrowing experiences of Nooh al-Shaghnobi and his team from Gaza’s Civil Defense force reveal the profound human cost of conflict and the relentless pursuit of hope amid despair. On September 17, a devastating airstrike near the al-Saha area of eastern Gaza City claimed the lives of over 30 individuals from a single family, leaving their bodies trapped beneath the rubble. Al-Shaghnobi, a dedicated member of the Civil Defense, recounted the chilling details of that day, illustrating the grim reality faced by those tasked with recovery operations in the aftermath of such tragedies.
As al-Shaghnobi and his team navigated the wreckage, they encountered the lifeless bodies of two young girls, a stark reminder of the innocence lost in war. The team’s protocol mandates that they only crawl beneath collapsed structures if there is a chance of finding survivors. In this instance, they heard a faint voice calling out, “I’m here. I’m here,” which propelled them deeper into the darkness and chaos of the ruins. The emotional weight of such moments is profound; the hope of finding life amidst death drives these rescuers to risk their own safety.
The Civil Defense force, operating under the Palestinian Minister of Interior, has suffered immense losses, with an estimated 90% reduction in its operational capacity due to ongoing violence. The team, now composed of about 900 personnel, relies on rudimentary tools such as hammers and shovels, as heavy machinery is often unavailable. Local estimates suggest that around 10,000 bodies remain buried under the rubble, a staggering figure that underscores the scale of the tragedy.
Al-Shaghnobi’s motivation is deeply personal. He believes that every voice heard beneath the rubble signifies life, compelling him to continue digging, even when faced with the grim reality of death. Tragically, when he finally reached a girl named Malak, she was already beyond saving, a moment that left him in a state of profound stillness, grappling with the weight of loss.
The emotional toll on civil defense workers is immense. Al-Shaghnobi, who has dedicated seven years to this work, now lives at his workplace, having lost his family home during the conflict. He articulates a painful truth: for those in his position, the ceasefire is not a reprieve but a grim prelude to the arduous task of recovering the dead. The areas most affected by the bombings, such as Shujayaa and parts of Rafah, remain inaccessible due to ongoing military operations, further complicating recovery efforts.
The psychological impact of this work cannot be overstated. Al-Shaghnobi and his colleagues have become desensitized to the horrors they witness. Initially, they struggled to confront the bodies they recovered, but over time, the normalization of death has dulled their emotional responses. The conditions under which they work are often unbearable, with the rapid decomposition of bodies exacerbating the trauma. Al-Shaghnobi recalls a particularly harrowing experience during Ramadan when he encountered a body that had been trapped for a year, its smell overwhelming him to the point of physical distress.
Identification of the deceased is a painstaking process, often relying on personal effects or the memories of grieving families. Without the means for DNA testing, the workers piece together identities from clothing, jewelry, and other remnants. The emotional aftermath of these recoveries is profound, as families often demand to see the remains of their loved ones, seeking closure in the face of unimaginable loss.
The stories shared by al-Shaghnobi and his colleagues highlight the paradox of their work: the relief of finding a body is often overshadowed by the horror of its condition. As they navigate the grief of families and their own, they remain committed to their mission, driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire to honor those who have perished.
In the midst of this chaos, moments of hope emerge. Alaa Khammash, another Civil Defense worker, shares the story of rescuing a girl named Marah, who was found alive after being buried for hours. Such instances of survival serve as a beacon of hope, reminding the team of the importance of their work and the resilience of the human spirit.
As the conflict continues, the Civil Defense teams remain on the front lines, receiving calls for help as families report missing loved ones or the discovery of remains. The specter of death looms large, yet these workers persist, embodying a profound commitment to their community and the memory of those lost. Their stories are a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, reminding us of the importance of compassion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of hope.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research