UN rapporteur warns Israeli rubble-clearing in Gaza could erase evidence of atrocity crimes

Large-scale rubble removal in areas of Gaza under Israeli military control could erase evidence of atrocity crimes and hinder the recovery of human remains, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory Francesca Albanese warned Monday, Anadolu reports.

“The ongoing removal, crushing and relocation of rubble in Gaza must not destroy evidence of international crimes or prevent the recovery and identification of human remains in the besieged enclave,” Albanese said in a statement.

She stressed that Gaza’s rubble contains human remains and physical evidence relevant to investigations into alleged international crimes, including genocide.

Palestinian authorities estimate more than 10,000 people remain buried under the debris.

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Albanese said recovery and identification of human remains, systematic documentation, and preservation of potential evidence should take place before rubble is moved or crushed, calling for international criminal investigators to oversee evidence gathering.

She also warned states and companies involved in rubble removal that destroying evidence of international crimes could expose them to international criminal responsibility.

“Any removal must happen in the context of a plan designed by Palestinians and supported by actors who have the trust of Palestinians,” Albanese said.

“Destroying evidence of atrocity crimes is illegal,” she added, arguing that Gaza’s reconstruction must not be “conditioned upon the erasure of its past and the evidence required to secure justice for its victims.”

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