UN Chief Calls for Independent Probe into Mass Graves Discovered in Several Locations in Gaza

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent international investigation into the discovery of mass graves in several locations in Gaza, including the Al Shifa Medical Complex and Nasser Medical Complex. Over 390 bodies have reportedly been exhumed from the Nasser Medical Complex alone, and there are serious allegations that some of those buried were unlawfully killed.

Guterres stressed the necessity for independent international forensic experts to be granted immediate access to the sites of these mass graves to establish the precise circumstances under which hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives and were buried or reburied. "The families of the dead and missing have a right to know what happened, and the world has a right to accountability for any violations of international law that may have taken place," Guterres stated.

The mass graves were discovered at Al-Shifa and Al-Nasser hospitals, as well as in Beit Lahia and Deir Al-Balah. Many of the bodies found showed apparent signs of unlawful killing. The discovery raises concerns about potential war crimes and highlights the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and hold those responsible accountable.

Why this matters: The discovery of mass graves in Gaza and the allegations of unlawful killings demand urgent international attention and action. Establishing the truth behind these deaths is crucial for delivering justice to the victims and their families, as well as for ensuring accountability and preventing future atrocities in the ongoing conflict.

Guterres also noted that the healthcare system in Gaza has been decimated by the war, with two-thirds of hospitals and health centers out of action, and some hospitals now resembling cemeteries. The ongoing war has led to a severe humanitarian and environmental crisis, with the accumulation of rubble, mass graves, and uncollected waste posing serious health threats to the population.

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, Al Shifa and Nasser, as part of their investigation into possible war crimes in the Gaza Strip. The ICC is investigating both sides in the conflict, including the October 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The UN chief has urged for immediate access for independent international investigators with forensic expertise to establish the circumstances under which the Palestinians lost their lives. Guterres has also warned of the worsening food crisis in Gaza, with the entire population classified as being in a state of crisis or worse, and has called for urgent action to avert a potential invasion of Rafah, which could lead to a devastating tragedy.

Key Takeaways

• UN calls for independent probe into mass graves discovered in Gaza.
• Over 390 bodies exhumed from Nasser Medical Complex, some allegedly unlawfully killed.
• Graves found at hospitals, raising concerns about potential war crimes.
• ICC prosecutors interview hospital staff as part of war crimes investigation.
• UN warns of worsening food crisis and potential invasion of Rafah in Gaza.