UN Demands Transparent Probe into Gaza Mass Graves
The United Nations has vehemently demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the discovery of mass graves at two major hospitals in Gaza, which were subjected to raids by Israeli forces. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stressed the need for credible investigators to access the sites, emphasizing the crucial role of journalists in providing accurate reporting from Gaza.
Earlier, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed deep shock at the destruction of the Shifa medical center in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, along with the reports of mass graves in the vicinity. He called for impartial and transparent inquiries into the fatalities, suggesting the involvement of international investigators to address the persistent climate of impunity.
The US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, echoed the concerns, describing the reports of mass graves as extremely troubling. US officials have sought clarification from the Israeli government on the matter.
On the other hand, the Israeli military maintains that its forces exhumed bodies buried by Palestinians in their search for remains of hostages captured by Hamas during the attack on October 7th, which ignited the conflict. They assert that the bodies were handled respectfully, and those not related to Israeli hostages were returned to their place.
According to the Israeli military, hundreds of militants who had taken shelter within the hospital complexes were killed or detained. However, these claims lack independent verification.
The Palestinian civil defense in the Gaza Strip disclosed the discovery of 283 bodies from a temporary burial ground within the main hospital in Khan Younis. The facility was constructed during the Israeli siege of the hospital last month, as people were prevented from burying the dead in proper cemeteries.
Palestinian health officials lamented that the hospital raids have crippled Gaza’s health sector, straining its capacity to manage the mounting casualties after more than six months of conflict.
Meanwhile, the question of who should conduct the investigation remains unresolved. Dujarric noted that the authorization of a UN-led investigation would require approval from one of the UN’s major bodies. He emphasized the importance of an unbiased and credible inquiry.
Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has indicated that a probe into potential crimes by Hamas militants and Israeli forces is a priority for his office following his visit to Israel and the West Bank in December.
Dujarric reiterated that the discovery of mass graves underscores the urgency for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and strengthened protection for medical facilities, as well as the release of Israeli hostages.
The Hamas attack that initiated the conflict resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250 hostages. Israel claims that the militants continue to hold approximately 100 hostages and the remains of over 30 others.
Israel’s subsequent air and ground offensive in Gaza, targeting Hamas, has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, approximately two-thirds of whom were women and children. The conflict has devastated Gaza’s largest cities, precipitated a humanitarian crisis, and led approximately 80% of the territory’s population to seek refuge elsewhere in the beleaguered coastal enclave.
