Israeli forces conducted operations in Khan Younis, Gaza, severely damaging a cemetery while searching for hostages seized by Hamas during a terror attack on October 7. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted to exhuming and removing bodies, stating it is part of their mission to rescue hostages.

The footage revealed bulldozed graves and exposed human remains. International law deems intentional attacks on cemeteries war crimes, except under limited circumstances related to military objectives.

In response to criticism, the IDF defended the actions, stating the hostage identification process is conducted in a secure location with respect for the deceased. The IDF emphasized the need for searches due to Hamas’ decision to take Israeli hostages.

Israel claims 253 people were taken hostage during the October attack, with 132 believed to be in Gaza, including 105 alive and 27 dead. Reports about corpse removals circulated on social media, sparking outrage. The IDF’s acknowledgment marks the first time they confirmed such exhumations.

Satellite imagery from January 15 showed an undisturbed cemetery, suggesting the damage occurred between then and the IDF’s operations on January 17. The military operation extended to the Al Nasser hospital compound and a Jordanian field hospital, causing panic among the approximately 7,000 people sheltering at Al Nasser, according to the World Health Organization.

On Tuesday, Israeli forces moved toward the hospital, leading to people fleeing with personal belongings. The IDF reported that Hamas launched an attack from the hospital compound, justifying the military operations to locate and dismantle terror infrastructure.

The Jordanian Armed Forces stated that the field hospital near the cemetery sustained severe material damage due to continuous Israeli bombardment. The situation raises concerns about the potential violation of international laws governing armed conflicts.