UN official warns against erasing evidence of crimes in Gaza during debris removal operations.

### UN Special Rapporteur Raises Alarm Over Evidence Destruction in Gaza

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, has called for measures to ensure that debris removal operations in areas under Israeli military control in Gaza do not serve as a means to erase evidence of international crimes or destroy human remains buried beneath the rubble.

### UN Warnings Against Evidence Tampering

Albanese emphasized that the processes of debris removal, crushing, and transportation must not lead to the destruction of evidence or hinder the recovery and identification of victims’ remains. She highlighted that the rubble in Gaza contains significant human remains and material evidence crucial for investigating allegations of international crimes.

Moreover, she noted that more than 10,000 individuals are believed to still be buried under the debris, while approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip remains subject to access restrictions and varying degrees of Israeli military control.

### Reliable Reports of Extensive Debris Removal Operations

In August, Albanese received reliable information from multiple sources indicating that operations involving debris removal, crushing, and transportation are occurring deliberately and on a large scale. She described the rubble in Gaza as part of a “crime scene and grave,” representing material evidence of the events that transpired during two years of bombardment.

### Call for Respecting Human Remains and Documenting Sites

Albanese stressed the necessity of recovering human remains with dignity and identifying their owners before any debris is removed or destroyed. She also called for systematic documentation of sites and materials to preserve evidence.

Furthermore, she warned that government entities and companies involved in debris removal could face criminal accountability if they destroy evidence related to international crimes.

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