Geneva: The UN human rights chief stated on Tuesday that Israeli bulldozers continue to level many areas in Gaza, showing a lack of respect for the dead buried under the rubble.
According to Anadolu Agency, Volker Turk expressed in a written statement that much of Gaza has been flattened by Israeli bombings or demolition, and clearing efforts by heavy machinery and explosives. He emphasized that the bulldozing operations disregard the deceased trapped beneath the debris. Turk highlighted the discovery of remains belonging to what appear to be entire families, warning that this might only be the beginning of uncovering the full extent of the tragedy.
Turk emphasized the importance of preserving evidence of violations amid ongoing legal proceedings linked to hostilities in Gaza. He urged for international investigators to be granted access throughout the territory to assist in evidence collection. Civil defense authorities believe around 8,000 Palestinian bodies remain trapped under the rubble, while over 630 bodies and other human remains were recovered between November 2025 and September 2026.
Turk underscored that "every feasible effort must be taken to document and identify these victims, preserve forensic information and biological samples, record their burial locations, and inform their families." He remarked that the painstaking recovery efforts reflect the gravity and breadth of the destruction three years ago, exacerbated by the prolonged suffering from years of uncertainty.
The UN rights chief reiterated concerns over Israel's conduct during hostilities, particularly its extensive use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, which, according to him, failed to effectively distinguish between civilians and fighters. He noted that the discovery of extensive remains in Gaza City raises concerns of war crimes and other atrocity crimes.
Turk also highlighted Israel's obligations under international law to search for and account for missing persons and recover the dead. He stressed that recovering and burying victims does not replace the need to establish the circumstances of their deaths. He pointed out the grave concerns raised by the reported killing of large numbers of family members, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, in attacks on residential buildings.
He called for effective investigations into these attacks and accountability for those responsible. Turk urged all states to press for greater cooperation and coordination to ensure the dignified and humane recovery of bodies across Gaza.