In the wake of distressing reports, the United Nations has demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the discovery of mass graves in Gaza. These graves were unearthed on the grounds of two major hospitals, Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, following the Israeli military’s assault on the region.
The grim discovery has sparked concerns of potential war crimes, as human remains were found buried deep in the ground and covered with waste. Some of the bodies bore signs of having been stripped naked and their hands tied, further escalating the gravity of the situation. Al-Shifa Hospital, in particular, was found to contain 30 bodies, including individuals who were bound and tied. Despite the Israeli Defense Forces’ claims of killing 200 Palestinians during the operation at the Al-Shifa medical complex, the UN suggests that the true number of victims could be significantly higher.
The UN has been unequivocal in its stance, stating that hospitals are entitled to special protection under international humanitarian law and that the intentional killing of civilians and detainees is a war crime. The intentional targeting of medical facilities and the deliberate killing of individuals unable to engage in combat are grave violations of international law.
The UN has placed emphasis on the need for an independent investigation, free from the influence of the Israeli government, given the prevailing climate of impunity. The independent investigators must be granted full access to the sites and guaranteed safety from the Israeli military. The Israeli government has claimed that it had previously exhumed bodies at these sites in search of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The recent escalation of strikes on southern Gaza by the Israeli military has further heightened tensions, with the potential for further civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported a staggering 34,000 Palestinian deaths as a result of the war, with two-thirds being women and children. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with famine looming as the Biden administration urges the Israeli government to allow more humanitarian aid into the territory.
