Gaza: The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) and Religious Affairs has reported that Israeli occupation forces have either fully or partially destroyed approximately 40 out of 60 cemeteries throughout the Gaza Strip since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mohammad Salem, the Director of Endowments in Gaza, stated that the occupation is intentionally targeting cemeteries under false pretexts, which is a clear violation of religious, human, and ethical standards. Salem highlighted a recent incident on Thursday where Israeli forces exhumed graves and stole remains in Khan Younis.

The forces reportedly raided the Turkish cemetery in the Al Mawasi area, using tanks and bulldozers to level graves and seize remains. This act coincided with the destruction of nearby displacement camps, displacing hundreds of families and worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Salem emphasized that these actions breach international conventions protecting the deceased, even during war. He condemned the desecration, describing it as a reflection of moral depravity and calling for international intervention.

He urged global legal and human rights organizations to investigate and hold the occupation accountable for these violations, protecting Islamic holy sites and cemeteries in Palestine.