A United Nations Special Rapporteur has stated that the ongoing demolition of homes in Gaza by Israeli forces, often justified with flimsy excuses, could constitute a part of the crime of genocide. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, described the situation as a ‘housing massacre’ in the besieged territory.
In a press interview, Rajagopal addressed the persistent violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, asserting that Israeli authorities continue these actions even during the supposed truce period. He emphasized that Israel continues its practices of killing, demolishing homes, and obstructing the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, indicating that none of the ceasefire terms have been genuinely implemented.
The UN official lamented the absence of an entity to monitor ceasefire violations and hold responsible parties accountable. He argued that the current situation is hardly different from the pre-ceasefire conditions, with the exception of a halt to large-scale airstrikes. However, he stressed that the killing, demolition, and obstruction of aid persist, leaving the region under continued occupation.
The Special Rapporteur pointed out that Israel justifies the home demolitions in Gaza by claiming they are targeting military objectives but consistently fails to provide evidence to support these claims. He further stated that the demolitions are being carried out indiscriminately and on a wide scale, representing a severe violation of the laws of war and a crime against humanity.
Rajagopal highlighted the dire conditions faced by displaced persons in Gaza, noting that over 288,000 Palestinian families currently lack adequate shelter. He also asserted that Israel has failed to allow the entry of a sufficient number of tents and mobile homes, despite commitments made under the ceasefire agreement and the presence of ample aid trucks waiting at border crossings.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
