The discovery of two mass graves in Gaza has sparked calls for an independent investigation by the United Nations’ human rights office. The graves were found after Israeli forces withdrew from hospitals in the region, with conflicting accounts from Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
The first mass grave, containing 283 bodies, was found at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, with some of the bodies showing signs of being handcuffed, shot in the head, or wearing detainee uniforms. Palestinian Civil Defense accused Israeli forces of killing and burying them, although Israel’s military declined to address these claims.
In response to the calls for an investigation, the Israeli military stated that its forces had exhumed bodies buried by Palestinians near Nasser Hospital in an effort to locate hostages. However, they did not provide details on the number of bodies exhumed, how they died, or whether any hostages were found.
The chaotic situation in Gaza has led to the common practice of burying the dead in mass graves or makeshift locations during times of conflict. In January, Nasser Hospital workers buried around 150 people in the hospital yard due to nearby fighting.
Another mass grave was reported at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, with the Gaza government reporting the discovery of 30 bodies, 12 of which have been identified. The U.N. human rights office stated that they could not confirm these accounts.
The situation in Gaza remains tense as the investigation into these mass graves continues, with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities facing scrutiny over the handling of the deceased.
