Israel's War on Gaza Cemeteries: Graveyards Vanishing, Bodies Stolen

Israel has destroyed at least 19 cemeteries in the Gaza Strip and exhumed 2,300 bodies, according to a recent report by Gaza's Government Media Office (GMO).

This was reported by Iran's semi-official PRESS TV.

The destruction and removal of bodies are part of what human rights organizations describe as systematic violations against Palestinian civilians.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the destruction of cemeteries across the territory. Reports indicate that in Gaza City alone, nine cemeteries were leveled within the first three months of the conflict. The al-Batsh cemetery near al-Shifa Hospital was completely bulldozed, with tombstones and bodies removed. Similar actions were recorded at the Ali bin Marwan, Beit Hanoun, Sheikh Radwan, and Sheikh Shaaban cemeteries.

The Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor documented that Israeli forces have exhumed more than 150 freshly buried bodies from graves in Beit Hanoun and other locations. The Christian cemetery of St. Porphyrius Church was also severely damaged. Satellite images show large-scale destruction at the Tunisian cemetery in the Shujaiya neighborhood, where armored vehicles and Israeli military posts were stationed.

In addition to destroying burial sites, Israeli forces have allegedly exhumed and removed bodies from several cemeteries and mass graves. Testimonies from Palestinians indicate that bodies have been taken from graves in Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Khan Younis. A resident of Gaza City reported that his brother’s body disappeared from the al-Batsh cemetery after Israeli forces took control of the area.

Euro-Med Monitor has called for an independent international investigation into allegations of organ theft following examinations by medical professionals in Gaza. According to the rights group, medical experts reported that vital organs, including livers, kidneys, and hearts, were missing from some recovered bodies, citing this as potential evidence of organ harvesting.

Israeli officials have offered various justifications for cemetery demolitions, including claims that Hamas used burial sites for military operations. In response to CNN’s investigation into the Beit Hanoun cemetery, the Israeli military alleged that tunnels were located beneath the graves. However, journalists visiting the site found no evidence to support this claim.

Israeli military officials have also stated that exhumations were conducted in search of Israeli hostages. However, human rights groups argue that these actions violate international laws protecting cemeteries and burial sites during armed conflicts.

Palestinian rights groups argue that Israel’s destruction of cemeteries is part of a long-standing policy aimed at erasing Palestinian history. Similar actions have been documented in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities have demolished or repurposed historic burial sites. The Mamilla Cemetery in Jerusalem, which contained graves dating back over a thousand years, was partially demolished to make way for a museum.

Human rights organizations have urged the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to investigate the destruction of cemeteries in Gaza, citing violations of the Geneva Conventions. South Africa has also raised the issue as part of its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging that the destruction of cemeteries is part of a broader campaign targeting Palestinian identity and heritage.