"Satellite images reviewed by Al Jazeera's Sanad fact-checking agency show that the Israeli military has continued to demolish buildings in areas of Gaza it has occupied since a ceasefire with Hamas went into effect. The Palestinian group has decried such demolitions as a violation of the ceasefire deal, which went into force on October 10. Legal experts and United Nations officials have said throughout the war that the destruction of civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime."
"The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Al Jazeera, but officials have previously said such actions have been done within the ceasefire's framework and were in response to active threats. Israel has remained in control of about 58 percent of Gaza since the ceasefire began, withdrawing behind the so-called yellow line that divides coastal Gaza from its border regions."
"In an email to Al Jazeera, Adil Haque, a professor of law and armed conflict at Rutgers Law School, explained that under the Fourth Geneva Convention, any destruction by an Occupying Power of private property is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations. The exception is extremely narrow. The destruction must be absolutely necessary, not merely convenient or advantageous, Haque said. And the absolute necessity must arise from military operations, that is, from combat or direct preparations for combat."
Satellite imagery indicates continued demolitions of buildings in Gaza areas occupied by Israeli forces after the ceasefire began on October 10. The demolitions were concentrated between November 5 and December 13, notably in Shujayea and the Tuffah neighbourhoods of Gaza City, with additional damage reported in Rafah and agricultural facilities east of Deir el-Balah. Palestinian authorities have labeled the demolitions a breach of the ceasefire. Israeli officials have previously characterized such actions as within the ceasefire framework and responses to active threats. Legal experts state that under the Fourth Geneva Convention destruction of private property by an occupying power is prohibited except where absolutely necessary for military operations.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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