A day after Hamas issued a stark warning over the fate of the remaining hostages, Israel escalated its bombardment over southern Gaza on Monday. While the Israeli tanks pushed further in south and targeted the area around Khan Younis, experts have raised concerns of ‘domicide’.
The term, which is slowly gaining currency after cities in Syria and Ukraine witnessed widespread destruction and flattening of the residential infrastructure, is now being used for Gaza as well. Latest reports say that nearly one-third of the dwellings in Gaza have been completely destroyed. A report by The Guardian said that 40 per cent of the residential infra in Gaza has been flattened completely. The United Nations has also warned about the internal displacement. Around 1.8 million people living in Gaza have been displaced in the aftermath of the October 7 events.
As per The Guardian’s report, although the concept of ‘domicide’ is gaining recognition in academic circles, it is not formally classified as a specific crime against humanity within international law. The UN special rapporteur on the right to housing submitted a report to the UN in October 2022, asserting the existence of a significant protection gap that requires attention.
Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly is all set to vote on a draft resolution seeking immediate ceasefire in the region. The development comes after the United States vetoed a UNSC immediate ceasefire proposal on Friday.