Integrated protection in Gaza: How site management and risk education are keeping displaced communities safe

In the face of mass displacement and deadly explosive threats, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is delivering an integrated response that combines life-saving Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) with community-led site management. '

This approach saves lives and strengthens community resilience and ensures displaced people in Gaza are directly involved in the decisions that affect their safety and dignity. 

Since October 2023, over 1.9 million people have been displaced across Gaza, many more than once. As families move through and return to destroyed areas, they face the dual threat of unstable living conditions and widespread contamination from Explosive Ordnance (EO), air-dropped bombs, and likely booby traps and Improvised Explosive Devices. 

At the same time, humanitarian access is extremely limited, fuel and vehicle shortages persist, and aid workers face real threats to their safety. These conditions demand smarter, more connected interventions. That is why DRC is integrating two critical responses: site management and risk education, delivered together and through communities-led approaches. 

DRC’s Site Management teams operate in 37 displacement sites across South, Middle, and Northern Gaza. These teams work with local committees to improve water access, maintain safe pathways, reduce flood risks, and ensure feedback mechanisms are in place so that communities can raise concerns and influence services. This approach is rooted in community ownership and designed for sustainability. 

But with 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, managing a site is not just about services—it is also about safety. 

Recognizing that WASH and Site Maintenance Committees are often exposed to the highest risk while clearing debris and navigating damaged areas, DRC integrated targeted EORE sessions directly into its site management programming. 

"We regularly deal with all sorts of waste and strange objects. The session was extremely helpful and eye-opening. Since then, we have applied different methods when handling waste, and now we are much more cautious and confident," says Younin, Deir Al Balah.

These sessions are scheduled around committee duties, delivered in safe spaces identified by site teams, and supported by clear, simplified educational materials. More than 1,100 displaced people, many of them front-line workers within their communities, were reached since May 2025. 

"We thank DRC and the EORE team for this awesome session. Now we understand these [objects] could be dangerous," says Mahmoud, Nour Al Houda Site:

"We really thank you for the session. We now have a better understanding of the signs of danger... I truly believe sessions like these should reach every shelter."

These efforts are made possible by strong collaboration with local partners—most notably, Fares Al Arab for Development (FAFD). This Palestinian civil society organization, established in 2006, plays a frontline role in DRC’s displacement response. 

"We focus on regular site visits, needs assessments, and coordination with communities and service providers. We also work closely with community committees to strengthen information flow and improve services. We hope to see clean, dignified living environments for displaced families and stronger community structures across Gaza," says Abdel Karim, Data Management Officer, FAFD.

By combining EORE and site management into one integrated programme, DRC is maximizing impact, improving community safety, and reducing the need for duplicate teams and trips—especially critical in an environment where security risks and access restrictions persist.

For more details on DRC’s integrated approach to site management and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education in Gaza, read the full story below.