The United Nations Office for Human Rights has called for an international investigation into mass graves discovered in the Al-Shifa and Nasser medical complexes in Gaza, describing the destruction of the largest medical facilities in the region as "horrifying."
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed "alarm" at the destruction of these hospitals and reports of mass graves within them in a statement released on Tuesday. He emphasized the necessity for "independent, effective, and transparent investigations" into these deaths and the "prevailing climate of impunity."
The Palestinian authorities reported the discovery of bodies in mass graves at a hospital in Khan Younis this week, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area. Additional reports indicated the discovery of bodies at the Al-Shifa hospital after an operation by Israeli special forces.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner, underscored the urgency of sounding the alarm, stating, "It is clear that many bodies have been found."
"Some of the bodies were found with their hands tied, which clearly indicates serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, necessitating further investigations into these violations," she added.
Shamdasani reported that the UN Human Rights Office is working to verify claims by Palestinian officials that 283 bodies were found in Nasser Hospital and 30 in Al-Shifa.
In a speech delivered by Shamdasani on his behalf at the United Nations, Türk also condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Gaza, which he stated predominantly killed women and children.
He also reiterated his warning against a broad incursion into Rafah, indicating that it could lead to "further horrific crimes."
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