Amnesty International released an investigation on May 11, 2026, detailing the Israeli military’s destruction of at least 13 multi-storey residential and commercial buildings in Gaza City between September and October 2025. The organization analyzed satellite imagery, verified over 25 videos, and interviewed 16 former residents and witnesses. These actions displaced thousands, many already internally displaced persons.
The report highlights bombings after short evacuation warnings, causing panic among residents. Amnesty International found no evidence of imperative military necessity for the destructions. The buildings housed civilians, including families with young children and elderly members.
General Context
Amnesty International documented the levelling of high-rises like Mushtaha Tower 6, al-Soussi Tower, al-Roya Tower, al-Ghofari Tower, Italian Tower, and al-Najm building. According to Amnesty International, Israeli forces dropped multiple bombs on each after forcing evacuations with minimal notice. Residents described chaos, leaving belongings behind as they fled.
A university professor from Mushtaha Tower 6 told Amnesty International researchers about carrying his 85-year-old father down eight floors amid panic. His seven-year-old son became traumatized, obsessively checking phones for warnings. The family had returned during a January 2025 truce only to face destruction.
Mariam, staying in al-Soussi Tower, recounted a 20-minute warning leading to residents stumbling over each other to escape. An IT engineer from al-Najm building described fleeing with his wife and three children, including an eight-month-old, now living in a tent in Khan Younis. Conditions there include sickness from rain and cold.
Amnesty International’s Crisis Evidence Lab confirmed the pattern through visual evidence. The organization noted prior patterns, such as buffer zone expansions from December 2023 to May 2024 and razing of Khuza’a in May 2025. No reply came from Israel’s defense ministry to questions sent on March 19, 2026.
Supporting Details
Israel’s military claimed high-rises held Hamas intelligence equipment and observation posts, using a standard statement without specifics or evidence. Amnesty International found no proof of fighters or military activity at the times of strikes. Potential strategic value did not meet international law’s “imperative military necessity” threshold.
Al-Roya Tower housed the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights headquarters. Al-Ghofari Tower, Gaza’s tallest, contained offices including Al Mayadeen media. Italian Tower, rebuilt with Italian funds in 2023, was empty when hit on September 26, 2025.
A Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment by the World Bank, EU, and UN reported 371,888 homes—over 76%—damaged or destroyed in Gaza’s first two genocide years. UNOSAT analysis from September 22-23, 2025, showed 83% of Gaza City structures affected, up 37% from prior months.
What Are the Reactions?
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on X on September 5, 2025, that “the bolt has been removed from the gates of hell,” linking strikes to Hamas accepting Israel’s ceasefire terms. On September 8, he warned, “Today, a massive hurricane will hit the skies of Gaza City and the roofs of the terror towers will tremble,” demanding hostage release or Gaza’s destruction.
Katz celebrated strikes, posting on September 14 about the Islamic University: “The ‘Islamic’ university in Gaza is soaring to the heavens. Eliminating the sources of incitement and terrorism.” On September 15 for al-Ghofari: “The terror tower of Burj al-Ghofari crashes into the sea of Gaza. We are drowning the hotbeds of terrorism and incitement.”
Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, stated, “All the available evidence indicates that Israel’s destruction of these 13 high-rise buildings was not ‘rendered absolutely necessary by military operations’ and as such must be investigated as war crimes.” She added that statements link destruction to political pressure on Hamas, admitting collective punishment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on August 2025 accelerated operations to pressure Hamas during ceasefire talks. Al Jazeera reported Katz’s posts preceding Mushtaha Tower strike. Reuters noted military warnings before al-Soussi bombing, with Hamas denying military use and calling it forced displacement.
What Are the Implications?
The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits collective punishment and property destruction except when absolutely necessary for military operations. Amnesty International classifies the acts as potential war crimes: extensive wanton destruction, attacks on civilian objects, and collective punishment.
Post-October 2025 ceasefire, Israeli forces demolished homes east of the “yellow line,” barring Palestinian return and covering over 55% of Gaza. Reconstruction stalls amid aid denial and strikes.
Guevara Rosas noted impunity enables repetition, citing threats to Lebanon invoking Gaza. Palestinians east of yellow lines hear bulldozers daily, compounding trauma.
UN assessments confirm mass displacement under inhumane conditions, with 60% homeless. Restrictions block shelter materials, prolonging suffering.
What Developments Lie Ahead?
Amnesty International calls for investigations into war crimes and accountability for officials ordering destruction or genocide acts. It demands unfettered aid access, including shelter goods.
Ongoing demolitions in controlled areas hinder return. Vague “yellow line” boundaries shift, expanding restricted zones.
Guevara Rosas emphasized, “Israeli officials who ordered unlawful destruction, collective punishment or acts of genocide must be held accountable.” No Israeli response to the report by publication.
The destruction erased urban landmarks, homes, and memories for thousands. Displaced families endure tents, illness, and fear, with no clear path to recovery. Gaza City’s skyline bears scars of the campaign, as assessments project long-term devastation. Efforts for justice and aid persist amid stalled reconstruction.
