Targeting Life Itself: Israel’s Systematic Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure in Gaza

“After 15 months of relentless and indiscriminate attacks by Israel, the destruction in the Gaza Strip is immense. Initial estimates suggest that up to 80% of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed or damaged. Horrific images emerging from Gaza show entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. It is vital to emphasize that the destruction and targeting of civilian infrastructure constitute both a grave war crime and a crime against humanity—highlighted in recent cases brought to courts by the Hind Rajab Foundation.”

Civilian infrastructure is protected under international humanitarian law, criminal law, and human rights law, making its deliberate targeting both a war crime and a crime against humanity. Since the official ceasefire began, displaced Palestinians who returned to their homes frequently found them reduced to rubble and completely uninhabitable. According to Doctors Without Borders, 92% of housing units in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by Israel's genocidal campaign. Civilian infrastructure includes not only housing units, but also all facilities vital for civilian survival during wartime—hospitals, medical facilities, schools, places of worship, libraries, electric power lines, water systems, roads, and commercial buildings.

The distinction between civilian and military objects is considered fundamental principle of international humanitarian law. Yet, since October 7th, 2023, up to 80% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed by the Israeli Army. Article II of the 1948 UN convention defines genocide as "deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part" is a recognized act of genocide. With up to four-fifths of Gaza's civilian infrastructure damaged or destroyed—including water and sanitation systems, which the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) describes as 'almost entirely defunct'--one must ask: if this does not constitute an act of genocide, what does? 

Who proudly destroys civilian infrastructure

The perpetrators of these war crimes continue to evade accountability, despite the indisputable nature of their heinous acts. The deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure by the IDF is thoroughly documented, often by the soldiers themselves, who boast about it on social media. One such case is that of Yuval Vagdani, against whom the HRF filed a criminal complaint in late December 2024. The case made global headlines as a war criminal attempting to escape justice. Vagdani stands accused of the mass destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. The complaint included irrefutable evidence proving his direct involvement in these acts. Additionally, Vagdani made genocidal statements on his social media, vowing to destroy Gaza “to its foundations”. The case material included video footage, geolocation data, and photographs of the suspect planting explosives and celebrating the destruction. 

Less infamous than Vagdani, but equally despicable, is the case of Dror Zvi Bauer, another IDF soldier against whom the HRF has filed a case in early 2025 with the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as in Austria, Germany, and other European jurisdictions. Bauer is accused of participating in the arbitrary and unlawful destruction of civilian facilities in Gaza including private homes, hospitals, schools, and aid facilities. The complaint is supported by video recordings that Bauer himself posted on Instagram. In these videos, the suspect is seen using explosives and bulldozers to destroy private homes and humanitarian aid facilities—structures that fall under the protected category of 'civilian infrastructure'. Bauer's genocidal intent is further evident in his statements, as he declared that there were "no uninvolved civilians in Gaza", implying that women, the elderly, and children were not considered innocent. 

Another deeply shocking example of an IDF soldier implicating himself in war crimes and crimes against humanity is the case of Rabbi Zarbiv. Like Bauer and Vagdani, Zarbiv believed he was immune from justice. On January 22, 2025, during a televised interview, Zarbiv publicly admitted to the destruction of 50 buildings per week in Gaza, indiscriminately targeting various forms of civilian infrastructure, and participating in the complete destruction of entire neighborhoods in Jabalia and Rafah. Following these admissions, Zarbiv spewed hate speech against Palestinians, amounting to public incitement of violence and hatred.

In the interview, Zarbiv, a member of the Givati Brigade, boasted about "playing" on a D9 bulldozer, describing the deliberate demolition of homes and the obliteration of Gaza’s infrastructure. He confirmed the Givati Brigade's systematic targeting of civilian areas and its role in rendering entire towns uninhabitable.

Zarbiv also stands accused of throwing hand grenades and firing at unarmed Palestinian civilians in Khan Yunis. Video evidence corroborates these accusations, which constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law

“Israel violating rules older than itself”

The genocidal intentions behind the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza by the Israeli Army are now undeniable. With up to 80% of Gaza's civilian infrastructure damaged or destroyed, daily life has become an unimaginable struggle for its residents. While the official ceasefire has reduced daily bombings and hostilities, Israel has not upheld its part of the agreement on multiple levels. Alongside near-daily attacks on Gaza—which continue despite the ceasefire— and accelerated violence by the IDF in the West Bank, Israel has systematically restricted the flow of essential aid, including tents and heavy machinery, into Gaza. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump promoted the "temporary" displacement of Gazans, with the United States assuming control over the Gaza Strip. What international law defines as the ethnic cleansing of an occupied population in an occupied territory by international law, is framed by Trump as a "development project", and by Benjamin Netanyahu as a tool for his colonial and political ambitions.

Rule 7 of customary International Humanitarian Law (IHL) states "The parties to the conflict must at all times distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives. Attacks may only be directed against military objectives. Attacks must not be directed against civilian objects.". Had the IDF adhered to IHL, it would have been impossible for 80% of civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip to be damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, the Assembly of the League of Nations, predecessor of the United Nations, already adopted a resolution in 1938—a decade before the state of Israel was founded—declaring that 'objectives aimed at from the air must be legitimate military objectives and must be identifiable.'. Through its carpet bombing of the Gaza, Israel has violated international laws that predate its very existence.

The international community must come together to put an end to Israel's persistent disregard for international law and the rule of law. This is not only vital for the survival of Palestinians but also for the safety of us all. For 15 months, Israel has flouted the most fundamental rules for the conduct of war with impunity. This sets a dangerous precedent, enabling any regime in the world to employ similar tactics and rendering international law meaningless.

The Hind Rajab Foundation is working tirelessly to bring justice for the victims of Israel's genocidal campaign and, in doing so, to defend of the rules of war.