Assassination of Al-Zahraa’s Mayor and the City’s Destruction

In continuation of the war of genocide and in pursuance of the policies of murder, destruction and population displacement, the Israeli occupying forces (IOF) extra-judicially killed the mayor and several staff members of the Az-Zahra Municipality and injured dozens of the city residents. Furthermore, during their ongoing aggression, the IOF destroyed remaining landmarks and building of the Az-Zhara city, turning them into ashes. 

Going on since 7 October, the Israeli aggression has caused the displacement of more than 10,000 residents of the city and destroyed some 2,000 housing units. In addition to buildings and villas across the city, the IOF knocked down over 50 residential towers, including Al-Iskan, Al-Asra, Dar Masr, and Cooperative Societies’ towers. The IOF also destroyed the municipal seat, wastewater pumps, and water and sanitation networks which serve the city and neighbourhood areas. 

The Israeli war of genocides destroyed the Palestine University, Al-Isra’ University, Gaza University, six government schools, a private school, a school for the blind. Destruction was also inflicted on the Wafaa Medical Rehabilitation and Specialized Surgery Hospital, including a nursing home. Also destroyed were the Az-Zahra’ government clinic, government establishments, such as the Civil Defence headquarters, Justice Palace, and the building housing the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility. Bombardment disrupted the city’s economy as commercial premises, tourist areas on the beach, Tal as-Sakan archaeological site and Bank of Palestine offices were all razed to the ground. 

Amounting to a crime against humanity, the destruction caused by the IOF has turned the city into a disaster area and created unliveable dire conditions, in which it is difficult to live. Constituting a grave violation of International Law, this is in contradiction to the right of civilians, civilian objects, places of worship, public property and agroecosystem to protection under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.