A United Nations (UN) expert raised concerns on Monday that the Israeli efforts to clear debris in Gaza could potentially eliminate crucial evidence of “atrocity crimes” and hinder the recovery of human remains. The assault on Gaza, which commenced after a lethal incursion by Hamas into Israel in October 2023, has resulted in approximately 61 million tons of wreckage and rubble. The United Nations estimates that it could take up to seven years to completely clear the debris.
Francesca Albanese, the UN expert designated for the Palestinian territories, emphasized the need for Palestinians to be involved in any waste removal plans. In a statement titled “UN expert warns Israeli rubble-clearing could erase traces of atrocity crimes,” Albanese highlighted the significance of collecting evidence and identifying human remains before initiating full clearance operations.
Albanese expressed that in the devastated Gaza region, the debris represents more than just construction waste. It serves as a crime scene, a burial ground, and a tangible record of the destructive bombing campaign that transpired over two years. Multiple sources indicated that Israeli companies are engaged in the clearance activities, although specific sources were not disclosed. Requests for comments from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister’s office, and military went unanswered.
Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, prompting reactions from various countries. In February, Germany, France, and Italy criticized her statements regarding Israel. The United States previously imposed sanctions on Albanese for her alleged attempts to push the International Criminal Court to take action against U.S. and Israeli officials, companies, and executives.
The 2023 attacks initiated by Hamas led to the deaths of 1,200 individuals in Israel, with 251 being taken as hostages. Gaza health authorities reported that over 73,000 Palestinians lost their lives during Israel’s military campaign. Israel contends that it has made extensive efforts to minimize civilian casualties, attributing civilian deaths to Hamas using Gaza’s population as shields, a claim denied by Hamas.
Hamas acknowledged Albanese’s warning and urged the removal of debris in a manner that ensures the recovery of missing persons’ remains and preserves evidence. Palestinian authorities estimate that more than 8,000 individuals are still trapped in the wreckage. During a recent search operation in Gaza City, a Palestinian recovery team discovered the remains of 112 individuals from the same family lineage.