A United Nations official warned on Monday that the removal of rubble in Gaza by Israel could potentially erase evidence of “atrocity crimes” and hinder the identification of human remains. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, has resulted in approximately 61 million tons of debris in Gaza that may take up to seven years to clear, as reported by the United Nations.
Francesca Albanese, the UN expert focusing on the Palestinian territories, raised concerns about the extensive removal and transportation of rubble by Israeli companies in August, emphasizing the importance of preserving evidence and identifying human remains before complete clearance operations commence. She stressed that the rubble in Gaza represents more than just construction waste; it serves as a crucial part of crime scenes and a somber reminder of the destructive bombing campaign that lasted for two years.
While multiple sources confirmed the involvement of Israeli companies in the rubble-clearing efforts, specific sources were not disclosed. Requests for comments from Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister’s office, and military regarding the matter remain unanswered. Francesca Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with past disagreements from various countries like Germany, France, and Italy.
In response to the warning issued by Albanese, Hamas expressed appreciation and called for a careful approach to rubble removal to ensure the recovery of missing persons’ remains and the preservation of crucial evidence. Palestinian authorities estimate that over 8,000 individuals are still buried under the debris in Gaza, with recent efforts uncovering the remains of 112 people from a single family.
