Gaza mass funeral for Sabra strike victims

After the Israeli airstrike on 22 November 2023 that destroyed a residential block in Gaza’s al‑Sabra neighbourhood, a prolonged search recovered the remains of 112 members of the Abu Sharia and Al‑Hasayna families. The 17‑day effort, carried out by Gaza’s Civil Defence with ICRC support, concluded on 4 August 2026 with a collective burial at Sheikh Shaaban cemetery, described by relatives as the largest mass funeral since the war began. The next day, officials confirmed that the recovered bodies included 44 children and that the Red Cross and Red Crescent had supplied key excavation equipment. Political‑protection officials estimate that more than 8,000 victims remain buried under debris, while humanitarian groups criticize restrictions on machinery and materials. Despite a cease‑fire declared in October 2025, aerial strikes continue, and the Hamas‑run health ministry reports at least 1,252 Palestinian deaths since 10 October 2025. The ongoing exhumations underscore the persistent humanitarian toll and the challenge of accounting for all victims.