Wanton destruction

Wanton destruction of civilian infrastructure

Israeli soldiers have on numerous occasions filmed themselves blowing up and destroying civilian infrastructure in Gaza, many of which appear to be controlled demolitions that serve no military purpose, sparking international outrage. Other footage captures Israeli soldiers bulldozing Palestinian property and vehicles, as well as vandalising local shops, businesses and classrooms whilst making derogatory comments about Palestinians and calling for the building of Israeli settlements on top of the ruins in Gaza.

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.”

The UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner has recorded widespread destruction and demolition of civilian infrastructure by Israeli forces, including residential buildings, schools and universities “in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place” which the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said “appears to be aimed at or has the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible.” Turk says Israel “has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction” of civilian infrastructure, reminding the Israeli authorities that destruction “carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention” and that “forcible transfer of civilians may also constitute a war crime.”