Israel lacking respect for dead buried in Gaza rubble: UN

Human rights chief reiterates concern over war crimes evidence as remains from entire families are unearthed.Areas in war-devastated Gaza continue to be razed by Israeli bulldozers with “no respect for the dead”, the United Nations’ human rights chief has said.Volker Turk criticised Israel’s actions in clearing rubble in the enclave in a statement issued on Tuesday. His words come as the discovery of “extensive” remains have heightened concerns that evidence of war crimes is being destroyed or concealed.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Israeli quadcopter terrorises homes in Gaza Citylist 2 of 3Burnham must establish an inquiry into Britain’s role in the Gaza genocidelist 3 of 3Canada, the UK and Australia should investigate the WCK attack in Gazaend of list“Much of Gaza has been flattened by Israeli bombing or demolition and clearing by heavy machinery and explosives,” he said, warning that areas where the Israeli military remains deployed “continue to be levelled by bulldozers with no respect for the dead under the rubble”.Smoke and fire rise after a house was targeted by an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on September 9, 2026 [AFP]The UN human rights chief said the remains of what appeared to be entire families were being unearthed from sites that were destroyed during Israeli attacks, adding that many victims were women and children.“It is heartbreaking that the loved ones of those missing for so long are only now having their worst ⁠fears confirmed,” he said.Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has generated about 61 million tonnes of wreckage and debris. It could take seven years to clear the debris, the UN has estimated.A US-brokered “ceasefire” in October 2025 has failed to halt regular Israeli strikes and attacks, with more than 1,300 Palestinians killed since the “truce” came into effect, according to Gaza officials.