UN Expert Warns Gaza Rubble Risks Evidence Destruction

A United Nations expert warned on Monday that the large-scale removal and processing of rubble in Gaza, reportedly conducted by Israeli forces and companies, risks destroying crucial evidence of potential atrocity crimes and hindering the recovery of human remains. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, stated in a release that the implications of Israel's "ongoing removal, crushing and relocation of rubble in Gaza" are profound. Albanese indicated that Gaza's rubble contains human remains and physical evidence relevant to the investigation of alleged international crimes, including genocide. She cited estimates from Palestinian authorities suggesting that more than 10,000 people remain buried under debris in the war-ravaged territory. The expert received credible information last month from multiple sources detailing the "deliberate and widespread removal, crushing and transport of rubble." According to Albanese, the debris is not merely construction waste but constitutes part of a crime scene, a graveyard, and the material record of events during a prolonged bombing campaign.