Israeli forces have desecrated at least 16 cemeteries in Gaza during their ground offensive, according to an investigation by CNN.

The report reveals that gravestones have been destroyed, soil disturbed, and in some instances, bodies exhumed.

The Israel Defense Forces have justified these actions as part of their search for hostages taken by Hamas during a terror attack in October. However, legal experts have suggested that these actions could constitute war crimes, as the intentional destruction of religious sites is a violation of international law.

The IDF has defended its actions, stating that it sometimes has “no other choice” but to target cemeteries used by Hamas for military purposes. However, CNN’s investigation has revealed that Israeli forces have also used cemeteries as military outposts, with bulldozers transforming them into staging grounds. The IDF has not explained these actions.

Read more at CNN.

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