The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the destruction of Gaza’s Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals and the emerging reports of “mass graves” discovered at these locations following Israeli airstrikes.
Türk has called for impartial investigations into the fatalities, emphasizing the need for clarity surrounding the circumstances of these deaths.
According to Palestinian officials, 283 bodies were unearthed at Nasser hospital, some showing signs of restraint. The exact cause and timing of their deaths remain unclear.
Israeli military authorities have dismissed allegations of burial activities by their forces at the site, though they acknowledge conducting examinations of bodies at the hospital premises. They assert that these actions were prompted by intelligence indicating potential hostage situations.
Testimony from former hostages, who were held at Nasser hospital during a two-week Israeli operation, supports claims of hostage presence, with one individual still unaccounted for.
Türk highlighted the absence of definitive evidence regarding bound bodies in the graves. Prior to the Israeli intervention, hospital staff cited logistical challenges in accessing cemeteries due to nearby conflict, resorting to on-site burials.
The Israeli military’s incursions into Gaza hospitals have been justified on grounds of alleged Hamas presence within these facilities, a claim contested by Hamas and medical officials.
The conflict commenced with a cross-border assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel in October, resulting in significant casualties and hostage-taking.
The death toll in Gaza, primarily affecting civilians, has surpassed 34,180, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The UN Human Rights Office is actively investigating reports of bodies discovered at Nasser hospital, with spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani confirming the recovery of 283 bodies, including identified individuals. Shamdasani described victims as buried deeply and covered with debris, with some found bound and stripped of clothing.
Türk reiterated the importance of impartial investigations in light of prevailing impunity, stressing the sanctity of hospitals under international law and condemning deliberate targeting of civilians, detainees, and non-combatants as war crimes.
The US State Department has echoed concerns over the reports, labeling them “incredibly troubling.”