The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, issued a statement criticizing Israel's military conduct in the Gaza Strip, stating that Israeli forces continue to destroy areas where human bodies may be buried under the rubble. He emphasized that his concern about the recovered bodies is only the "tip of the iceberg."
Ongoing Destruction of Gaza Areas
Turk said at a meeting in Geneva, "Many areas of Gaza have been completely flattened due to Israeli bombings or destruction and clearance with heavy machinery and explosives." He continued, "Today, many areas in Gaza where Israeli militarization is present are still being destroyed by bulldozers, and there is no respect for the dead under the rubble."
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Israel's Investigation of Claims
The Israeli armed forces announced that they are investigating the claims made. Meanwhile, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) emphasized the right of relatives to respectfully bury their family members and also called for the preservation of evidence of violations of international law during Israeli attacks.
Turk stated, "These attacks must be effectively investigated. If violations are identified, those responsible must be held accountable. I call on all countries to work towards increasing cooperation and coordination to ensure the recovery of bodies across Gaza in a dignified and humane manner."
OHCHR Reports on Human Rights Violations
The OHCHR office announced in 2024 that the use of heavy bombs in residential areas by Israel may have violated international laws. Turk also called for international inspectors to have access to all areas of the Gaza Strip to help preserve evidence.
Palestinian officials reported that since November 2025, the bodies of 630 people have been recovered. According to the OHCHR report, at least 8000 people are missing throughout the Gaza Strip.
