UN expert warns Gaza rubble removal may destroy evidence of international crimes
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned that Israel's ongoing removal and crushing of rubble in Gaza could erase evidence relevant to investigations of alleged international crimes, including genocide. She noted that more than 10,000 people are estimated to remain buried under debris. Albanese said the rubble is not just construction waste but part of a crime scene and a graveyard.
Albanese's warning follows reports of systematic debris removal in Israeli-controlled zones. Palestinian authorities estimate over 10,000 individuals remain entombed beneath collapsed structures, with the rubble holding both human remains and forensic traces.
She cited a specific case where remains of 112 family members were recovered from a November 2023 strike in Gaza City, while 41 others from the same incident were never found. Albanese stressed that independent oversight is essential to secure evidence and identify victims before further displacement or crushing occurs.
The potential loss of forensic evidence could impede future war crimes investigations, affecting families of the missing who seek closure and justice. It may also erode public confidence in international accountability mechanisms. As the conflict continues, preserving physical records could be crucial for historical documentation and eventual reconciliation, though achieving independent oversight remains a significant challenge.