In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the destruction of holy sites by the Israeli military has sparked criticism from Palestinians and rights groups, who argue that it is an assault on cultural heritage. Cemeteries and religious sites are granted special protection under international law, and their destruction could potentially be considered a war crime.
One such site that has fallen victim to the military's search for Hamas tunnels is the Islamic cemetery in Khan Younis, a neighborhood in southern Gaza. Foreign journalists were shown the aftermath of the destruction, witnessing the demolition of graves and a mosque. In place of the cemetery, there now sits a large pit, which the army claims was hiding an attack tunnel used by Hamas.
