The United Nations warned this Tuesday that the location of new bodies in the Gaza Strip, almost three years after their homes were destroyed by Israeli bombings at the beginning of the offensive following the attacks of October 7, 2023, could represent only "the tip of the iceberg" given the magnitude of the devastation caused by the operations of the Israeli Army.
"The remains of what appear to be entire families are being recovered in places that were pulverized by Israeli attacks," lamented the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who stated that "it is heartbreaking that the loved ones of those who have been missing for so long now see their worst fears confirmed."
"I am concerned that the remains recovered so far are only the tip of the iceberg. Much of Gaza has been devastated by Israeli bombings or by demolition and clearing operations with heavy machinery and explosives," he emphasized, stressing that Israeli forces continue to carry out demolitions in areas under their control, "with no respect for the bodies lying under the rubble."
In this regard, he highlighted the need to preserve evidence of possible violations of International Law and called for the entry of international investigation teams into the enclave to assist in the collection of evidence.
"All possible efforts must be made to document and identify these victims, preserve forensic information and biological samples, record burial sites, and inform their families," Turk emphasized, according to a statement released by his office.
The Palestinian Civil Protection of Gaza has reported the recovery of 630 bodies and other human remains from the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Strip between November 2025 and September 2026, and places the number of missing persons at over 8,000, in a context where search and rescue efforts are severely limited by Israel's refusal to allow the entry of heavy machinery.
According to this agency, between June 27 and August 27, 233 of the 407 bodies believed to be trapped under 20 buildings destroyed by bombings were found, most of them in the city of Gaza, in the northern part of the enclave. Among the recovered victims are 74 minors and 106 women.
To this data are added another 96 bodies or human remains found this month in the Al Zeitun neighborhood, southeast of the city of Gaza, after an airstrike allegedly carried out in November 2023. Among them are 58 children and 23 women.
"These meticulous recovery efforts are a stark reminder of the severity and magnitude of the destruction that occurred three years ago, exacerbated today by the prolonged suffering and misery brought on by years of uncertainty," Turk highlighted, who reiterated that "the families' right to know the fate of their loved ones does not end with identification and a dignified burial." "They deserve to know the whole truth," he specified.
In this context, he reiterated his "serious concern" about the "methods and means" employed by Israel during the offensive, "including the extensive use of explosive weapons with effects over a wide area in densely populated zones," something that, in his view, "would not have guaranteed the distinction between civilians and combatants."
"The finding of numerous remains under the rubble in the city of Gaza rekindles concern about the possible commission of war crimes and other heinous crimes," Turk noted, reminding that Israel is obligated by International Law to search for and locate missing persons and to recover the bodies of the deceased.
He also emphasized that the recovery and subsequent burial of the victims does not replace the obligation to clarify the circumstances of their death. "The death of a large number of family members, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, in attacks against residential buildings raises serious questions about compliance with the rules governing the conduct of hostilities," he argued.
"It is necessary to investigate these attacks effectively. When violations are confirmed, those responsible must be held accountable," he emphasized, before urging all States to "promote greater cooperation and coordination to ensure that the recovery of bodies throughout the Gaza Strip is carried out in a dignified and humane manner."