Satellite images and videos show that at least 16 Gaza cemeteries have been desecrated by Israeli forces
Palestinians check damaged graves at a cemetery after an Israeli raid in Khan Younis, Gaza, January 17. (Source: Ahmed Zakot/Portal)
A CNN investigation found that the Israeli army desecrated at least 16 cemeteries during its ground offensive in Gaza. This involved gravestones being smashed, the ground being disturbed and, in some cases, bodies being dug up.
In Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, where fighting has intensified in recent days, Israeli forces destroyed a cemetery and removed bodies. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told CNN that this was part of a search for the remains of hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks.
CNN examined satellite images and social media images showing the destruction of cemeteries and witnessed it firsthand while traveling in a convoy with the IDF. Taken together, the evidence reveals a systemic practice.
The intentional destruction of religious sites such as cemeteries violates international law, except in very limited cases when the site becomes a military target. Legal experts told CNN that Israel's actions could constitute war crimes.
An IDF spokesman could not explain the destruction of the 16 cemeteries for which CNN provided coordinates, but said the military sometimes had “no choice” but to attack cemeteries that he said were being used by Hamas for military purposes become.