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Gaza Families Dig Rubble as Israel Blocks Recovery Equipment

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Families in Gaza hand-dig destroyed homes because Israel blocks heavy equipment and DNA kits needed for proper recovery.
Mahmoud Khilla and relatives are digging rubble in Jabaliya to recover remains of family killed in a Dec 21 2023 airstrike, having found two bodies.
Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal says rescue work needs heavy equipment, DNA kits and safe conditions, which Israel has prevented from entering Gaza.

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Story summary

Families in Gaza hand-dig destroyed homes because Israel blocks heavy equipment and DNA kits needed for proper recovery.
Mahmoud Khilla and relatives are digging rubble in Jabaliya to recover remains of family killed in a Dec 21 2023 airstrike, having found two bodies.
Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal says rescue work needs heavy equipment, DNA kits and safe conditions, which Israel has prevented from entering Gaza.