Discovery of Mass Graves in Gaza
Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two hospitals, alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it. The officials reportedly recovered more bodies in the last 24 hours from what is believed to be one of at least three mass graves found at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.
Details of the Discoveries
- Palestinian authorities reported finding scores of bodies in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis and Al Shifa site.
- The Palestinian territory’s Civil Defence agency reported uncovering more than 200 bodies at Nasser Hospital, with a further 35 bodies recovered in the past day.
- Civil defense crews have been recovering bodies from inside Nasser Medical Complex, with nearly 200 bodies retrieved since Saturday.
Statements from Officials
Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defense, mentioned that several of the recovered bodies had decomposed. Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, claimed that 283 bodies were found at the hospital, attributing the deaths to the Israeli army.
Call for International Probe
The United Nations called for an international probe into reports of mass graves, suggesting that war crimes may have been committed. UN rights chief Volker Turk expressed horror at the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities.
UN Response
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the need for further investigations into the serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law observed in the mass grave discoveries.
Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, it is crucial to ensure the protection of hospitals under international law and conduct thorough investigations into the reported atrocities.