ICSPR Israel Systematically Destroyed Civilian Objects in the Gaza Strip as Part of a Deliberate Policy of Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide Amounting to War Crimes
Date: 30 June 2025
Press Release
ICSPR: Israel Systematically Destroyed Civilian Objects in the Gaza Strip as Part of a Deliberate Policy of Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide Amounting to War Crimes
The International Commission to Support Palestinians’ Rights (ICSPR) stated that the ongoing Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, 2023, has constituted one of the most systematic and devastating campaigns of destruction and ethnic cleansing in modern history. The occupation has deliberately and repeatedly targeted civilian objects throughout the Strip, blatantly disregarding the binding rules of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, particularly the Fourth Convention on the Protection of Civilians.
In a detailed fact sheet prepared by researcher Rana Majed Hdeib, ICSPR affirmed that the destruction endured by Gaza over the past 21 months of relentless bombardment was not “collateral damage,” as Israel claims, but rather a deliberate and systematic policy of targeting all pillars of civilian life—homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, roads, public facilities, infrastructure, and economic and service establishments—amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute.
According to the fact sheet, more than 330,500 homes were damaged across the Gaza Strip, including 104,000 completely destroyed. This has led to an unprecedented wave of displacement, leaving 85–90% of the population homeless—over 1.9 million people, some of whom have been displaced more than 12 times since the start of the aggression. Hundreds of thousands are now sheltering in makeshift centers under harsh and inhumane conditions.
The report documented the targeting of 38 hospitals and 59 health centers, resulting in 22 hospitals going completely out of service due to severe shortages in medical supplies and fuel, leading to the deaths of hundreds of wounded and ill individuals. Over 1,411 healthcare workers were killed, in what ICSPR described as one of the gravest war crimes against humanitarian personnel.
The healthcare system is suffering from a 90% shortage in essential medicines and supplies, with services like dialysis and chemotherapy completely halted. As a result, the lives of more than 10,000 chronic patients, including those with cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure, are at severe risk.
Statistics show that more than 143 schools and universities were completely destroyed, while 366 other educational facilities were partially damaged, including 4 major universities such as the Islamic University and Al-Azhar University. Additionally, 125 UNRWA-run schools were attacked, despite being used as shelters. The bombings have led to the killing of more than 6,300 students, and around 800 educational staff.
ICSPR documented the destruction of over 1,000 mosques, either fully or partially, in addition to 3 churches, including the Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church, where dozens of civilians were killed. Nineteen cemeteries were also vandalized or deliberately excavated, in a clear violation of the sanctity of the dead and burial sites.
The paper recorded the destruction of 6,000 economic facilities, including factories, warehouses, retail shops, and food distribution centers. Furthermore, 93% of banks and 88% of exchange and insurance companies were destroyed, causing an almost total collapse of the economic sector and a drop in GDP by 83%, with direct losses exceeding $12 billion.
About 92% of main roads were severely damaged or destroyed, and over 56% of water facilities and desalination plants ceased operation. Power stations were targeted, and internet connectivity was repeatedly cut by striking fiber optic cables and signal towers, resulting in complete outages across northern Gaza at several intervals.
The destruction campaign extended to over 198 government facilities, including ministries, municipal councils, courts, and service departments. More than 150 civil society institutions—including charities, women’s organizations, training centers, unions, and independent media organizations—were also targeted.
As a result, core public services have entirely ceased, including birth and death registration, property documentation, and essential psychosocial and economic support programs.
ICSPR stressed that the Israeli aggression has produced catastrophic consequences on all levels, including:
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Mass forced displacement, overcrowded shelters, and complete lack of safety.
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Over 5,000 babies born monthly in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
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Widespread disease and outbreaks due to lack of clean water and collapsed health services.
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Education halted for approximately 600,000 students.
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Severe psychological trauma, particularly among children who experienced bombing, displacement, and family loss.
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Total collapse of economic and public services, leaving the public and private sectors paralyzed.
The commission emphasized that the destruction of civilian infrastructure violates core principles of international humanitarian law, especially Article 8 of the Rome Statute, which criminalizes attacks on civilian, medical, and educational facilities without clear military necessity. The targeting of essential infrastructure and collective punishment of the civilian population also constitutes a grave breach under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Facilities such as hospitals, schools, places of worship, and humanitarian centers are entitled to enhanced protection under international law, and cannot be targeted under any circumstance except in rare and exceptional cases—conditions not met in the documented incidents.
ICSPR highlighted that the targeting of civilian objects was deliberate, systematic, and indiscriminate, lacking genuine military necessity, and therefore constitutes a war crime under both the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions.
ICSPR Calls for Urgent International Action
In conclusion, ICSPR calls for the following:
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An immediate international investigation by the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
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Accountability for Israeli political and military leaders involved in the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
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The urgent provision of international protection for civilians and vital facilities in the Gaza Strip.
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Lifting the blockade and cessation of hostilities.
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Rehabilitation of the health, education, and humanitarian sectors without delay.
