GENEVA, Friday, February 9, 2024 (WAFA) – The UN human rights chief has warned that the Israeli occupation army trying to create a buffer zone inside the Gaza Strip breaks international war and amounts to a possible “war crime.”
In a press statement, Volker Turk said the Israeli army is destroying all buildings within the Gaza Strip that are within a kilometer of the Israel-Gaza fence, clearing the area to create a “buffer zone.”
“I stress to the Israeli authorities that Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the Occupying Power of property belonging to private persons ‘except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations’,” said Turk.
He said destructions to create a “buffer zone” for general security purposes do not appear consistent with the narrow “military operations” exception in international humanitarian law.
“Further, extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a war crime,” said Turk.
He said that since late October 2023, the Human Rights Office recorded widespread destruction and demolition by the Israeli army of civilian and other infrastructure.
These included residential buildings, schools, and universities in areas where fighting is not or is no longer taking place, Turk added.
He said such demolitions also occurred in Beit Hanoun in North Gaza, Shujaiyeh in Gaza City, and Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
The UN rights chief said demolitions had been reported from other areas as well, with reports of the destruction of many residential buildings and blocks taking place in Khan Yunis in recent weeks.
“Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure,” Turk said.
He said such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas before the escalation in hostilities.
“I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime,” Turk added.
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