UN warns Israel's rubble clearance in Gaza may destroy war crimes evidence
The UN's Special Rapporteur on the occupied territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that removing rubble from Gaza could destroy evidence of war crimes. She said states and companies involved could incur international criminal responsibility. The warning comes two years after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent destruction of evidence.
The warning comes two years after the International Court of Justice mandated Israel to protect evidence linked to genocide allegations. Albanese argued that rebuilding Gaza should not require erasing the past or the proof needed for victim justice.
Recent Israeli operations involved crushing and moving millions of tonnes of debris, including from burial sites. A monitoring group suggested this could be an attempt to reshape the population and erase proof of atrocities. With over 8,000 people still missing, Gaza's civil defence chief stated that proper equipment could recover remains in 90 days, but current restrictions may stretch this to years.
The warning could influence international legal proceedings and deter some foreign firms from participating in rubble removal, potentially slowing reconstruction. For Palestinian families, the loss of forensic evidence may prolong uncertainty over missing relatives. It also places states supporting Israel in a difficult position, as their involvement in clearance operations could expose them to legal liability, shaping future diplomatic and humanitarian responses.