An independent United Nations expert has strongly condemned the widespread and systematic bombardment of housing and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, describing it as a war crime and a crime against humanity. Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, highlighted the devastating impact of a month of Israeli attacks on Gaza, revealing that 45 percent of all housing units in the Palestinian territory have been destroyed or damaged.
Rajagopal emphasized that such systematic or widespread bombardment of housing, civilian objects, and infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international law. He stated, “Carrying out hostilities with the knowledge that they will systematically destroy and damage civilian housing and infrastructure, rendering an entire city – such as Gaza City – uninhabitable for civilians is a war crime.”
Furthermore, he noted that when these acts are “directed against a civilian population, they also amount to crimes against humanity.” Israel’s massive bombardment of Gaza was initiated following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the death of more than 1,400 people and the taking of more than 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Hamas cited the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque and escalating violence by Israeli settlers as the reason for its incursion.
According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, the Israeli bombardment has claimed the lives of more than 10,500 people, primarily women and children. Additionally, nearly 2,500 individuals, over half of whom are children, are reported as missing and likely trapped under the rubble.
Rajagopal, who was appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, previously coined the term “domicide” to describe the systematic and widespread attacks on civilian housing and infrastructure that lead to death and suffering. He now asserts that “domicide is now being committed in Gaza.”
The conflict has forced around 1.5 million people to be displaced in Gaza, according to UN figures. Rajagopal also criticized the Israeli evacuation order, which was issued without adequate shelter and aid for those fleeing and amid the cutting off of essential resources, describing it as “a cruel and blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
International humanitarian law is built on the fundamental principle of distinguishing between civilian and military objects, which this ongoing conflict has strained.
