UN Special Rapporteur Alleges IDF Employed ‘Unconventional Weapons‘ Rendering Gaza City ‘Unlivable’
Gaza City – UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of utilizing “unconventional weapons” in Gaza City, resulting in widespread destruction and rendering the area “unlivable.” The allegations, made public today, center on patterns of devastation exceeding that explainable by conventional weaponry, raising concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law.
Albanese’s claims arrive amid escalating international scrutiny of the conflict in gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel. The reported use of these weapons, combined with the ongoing siege and bombardment, has created a humanitarian catastrophe for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with over 1.7 million displaced as of february 2024,according to UNRWA. The accusations underscore the urgent need for independent investigation and accountability, as the conflict continues to inflict immense suffering on civilian populations and threatens regional stability.
According to Albanese, the scale and nature of the destruction in areas like Gaza City’s Rimal and Zeitoun neighborhoods suggest the use of weapons with characteristics beyond standard explosive ordnance. She stated that the observed patterns – including complete obliteration of structures, deep cratering, and widespread fires – point to the possible deployment of high-yield explosives or other advanced weaponry.
“We’re seeing a pattern of destruction that is not consistent with conventional weapons,” Albanese saeid in a statement.”The level of devastation suggests something more is at play,and it’s imperative that this is investigated thoroughly.”
The IDF has not yet responded directly to Albanese’s specific allegations. However, the military maintains that it operates in accordance with international law and takes all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm. They attribute the extensive damage to the deliberate targeting of Hamas infrastructure embedded within civilian areas, and the use of extensive tunnel networks beneath the city.
Albanese’s mandate, established by the UN Human Rights Council, focuses on the situation of human rights in the palestinian territories occupied since 1967. her reports and statements are frequently enough met with criticism from Israel, which accuses her of bias. Despite this, her latest claims add to a growing chorus of international voices calling for greater openness and accountability regarding the conduct of the war in Gaza.
