Amnesty International Accuses Israel of War Crimes in Gaza

Amnesty International has accused the Israeli military of committing war crimes in Gaza by systematically destroying neighborhoods and agricultural land to create a buffer zone, with reports indicating that over 90% of buildings in a 1 to 1.8 km wide area have been damaged or destroyed. This destruction, covering about 58 square kilometers, has led to the displacement of thousands of families and rendered significant portions of land uninhabitable. Amnesty's findings stem from satellite imagery and reports of on-ground demolitions, with claims that the military's actions constitute collective punishment, a violation of international law. Israeli officials have defended the demolitions as necessary security measures following attacks from Palestinian armed groups. Despite these justifications, human rights organizations question the legality of such actions and call for a thorough investigation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,800 casualties in Gaza, predominantly among women and children.