Archive · 8 Sep 2026
UN Expert Warns Gaza Rubble Removal Could Destroy Evidence
A United Nations expert warned that clearing away destroyed buildings in Gaza could remove important clues.
She said the rubble may contain the bodies of people who died and evidence about how they were killed.
Palestinian authorities estimate that more than 10,000 people may still be buried under the debris.
The expert wants investigators to document the sites before rebuilding begins.
She also wants families to receive and identify the remains of their relatives.
She said destroying evidence of serious international crimes could be illegal.
Israel did not immediately respond to her statement.
Israel and some of its allies have criticized her earlier accusations against Israel.
Francesca Albanese warned that rubble removal in Israeli-controlled parts of Gaza could erase evidence of alleged atrocity crimes.
She said rubble may contain human remains and evidence relevant to investigations, including allegations of genocide.
Palestinian authorities estimate that more than 10,000 people remain buried under Gaza’s debris.
Albanese called for independent oversight, evidence preservation, and the dignified recovery and identification of remains.
Israel did not immediately comment, while Albanese has faced criticism from Israel and some allies over her allegations.
- Who
- Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, issued the warning.
- What
- She warned that removing, crushing, and transporting Gaza’s rubble could destroy evidence of alleged international crimes and prevent recovery of human remains.
- When
- The warning was issued Monday; the war began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, and a ceasefire was agreed last October.
- Where
- Gaza, particularly areas under Israeli control.
- Why
- Because the rubble may contain human remains and physical evidence needed for investigations and possible prosecutions.
Evidence-preservation warning
Criticism of Albanese’s allegations
Rubble removal
Evidence-preservation warning
Albanese said Gaza’s rubble is also a crime scene and graveyard, and warned that crushing or relocating it could erase evidence and human remains.
Criticism of Albanese’s allegations
Israel and some of its allies have harshly criticized Albanese’s accusations that Israel is committing genocide and other war crimes; Israel did not immediately respond to this specific statement.
International responsibility
Evidence-preservation warning
Albanese said countries and companies involved in removing rubble could face international criminal responsibility if evidence of international crimes were destroyed.
Criticism of Albanese’s allegations
No response from Israel or the named countries and companies to that warning was reported in the article.
- Expert
- Francesca Albanese, United Nations special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories
- Estimated people under rubble
- More than 10,000, according to Palestinian authorities
- War’s reported Palestinian death toll
- More than 73,000, including more than 1,330 since the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s health ministry
- Deaths in Hamas’s October 7 attack
- 1,221, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures
- Recent recovery
- The remains of 112 members of one family were recovered and buried last month; 41 others from the same strike remained missing
- Requested safeguards
- Independent oversight, systematic documentation, preservation of evidence, and an unbroken chain of custody