The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, has described the destruction in Gaza as unprecedented since World War II, highlighting its devastating impact on Palestinian civilians.

In a press statement on Thursday, Rajagopal stated that since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation has completely destroyed over 80% of homes in Gaza. He compared the devastation to the destruction of Dresden during World War II, emphasising that the scale and brutality of Israel’s assault are unparalleled.

He asserted that the situation constitutes genocide, as it has made Gaza uninhabitable for its residents. “If you render a place unlivable for its people, that is, in fact, an act of genocide,” he stated, adding that a ceasefire alone does not halt the genocide if conditions continue to threaten the survival of the Palestinian population.

Rajagopal stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid, particularly shelter, as displaced Palestinians struggle to rebuild their lives. He also highlighted the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and called for immediate efforts to clear debris and implement reconstruction plans