The United Nations is seeking access to human remains buried under rubble in the Gaza Strip for international investigators, according to Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. This request, made on Tuesday, September 15, aims to allow investigators to gather evidence that may indicate potential violations of international law and war crimes by Israel. Türk stated that the UN is currently uncovering the remains of what appear to be entire families from areas destroyed by Israeli military operations. The discovery of a large number of remains in Gaza City has raised serious concerns about possible war crimes and other severe violations of humanitarian law. Türk expressed deep concern that the remains found so far may only represent a small portion of the total number of victims. He noted that much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble by Israeli bombings, as well as by military operations involving heavy machinery and explosives. In areas where Israeli forces are active, many parts of the city continue to be flattened by bulldozers, often without regard for the presence of human remains beneath the debris. Türk also pointed out that Israel has refused entry to heavy machinery intended for clearing the rubble, which has hindered efforts to recover bodies and assess the full extent of the damage. According to the Palestinian civil defense, more than 630 bodies and other human remains have been recovered from the rubble of destroyed buildings across Gaza between November 2025 and September 2026. The organization estimates that the number of people still missing under the rubble could be over 8,000. Türk emphasized the importance of documenting and identifying these victims, preserving forensic data and biological samples, and recording the burial sites. He stressed that families have a right to know the fate of their loved ones, not just for identification and a dignified burial, but to understand the full truth of what has happened. The UN official reiterated that the process of uncovering and documenting these remains is essential for both justice and accountability. It also serves to provide closure to families who have been waiting for answers. The situation in Gaza continues to be a focus of international attention, with calls for transparency and adherence to international humanitarian law.