A/HRC/10/22 page 13 were completely destroyed, an additional 20 per cent sustained serious damage,26 reportedly forcibly evicting an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 people who have been rendered homeless, many forced to live in open space.27 For buildings that are apparently still intact, it is unclear how much of their internal structure was damaged, which may cause problems in the long term, including collapse or fragility in the event of natural disaster. 39. The massive destruction and damage caused by the Israeli offensive to homes and infrastructure, including roads, water stations and electrical facilities, and the continued restrictions imposed on the urgent transport of reconstruction materials into Gaza could constitute grave violations of the right to adequate housing and are the cause of a severe humanitarian crisis. 40. Reports indicate that Israeli attacks have not always complied with the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants, and that some of the houses and properties attacked did not meet the definition of military objectives. 41. Countless communities in Gaza have been rendered virtually uninhabitable. In urban areas and several refugee camps in the northern part of Gaza, entire neighbourhoods have been flattened. These acts seem to be contrary to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, in particular article 53.28 42. The extensive damage to basic social services and infrastructures has severely eroded the ability of the people of Gaza to live according to the acceptable minimal standards of adequate housing. Many water tanks used by individual homes were also damaged,29 causing 500,000 people to have no access to running water, and the rest of the population only sporadic access during the hostilities.30 Thousands of people have been affected by damaged sewage networks and pumping stations, owing to both repeated bombing and the scarcity of fuel supplies 26 United Nations, Gaza Flash Appeal, January 2009; and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. 27 Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, “European governments and citizens hold the key to imposing accountability on Israel”, 12 January 2009; and Emergency Architects, information flash: “The foundation of Emergency Architects helps with emergency rehousing in Gaza”, 18 February 2009. 28 “Any destruction by the occupying Power of real or personal property belonging individually or collectively to private persons, or to the State, or to other public authorities, or to social or cooperative organizations, is prohibited, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations.” 29 Aid Worker Diary: part 15, 14 July 2009. 30 New York Times, “Israel and Hamas: Conflict in Gaza”, 11 July 2009.