Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed deep concern over the destruction of medical facilities in Gaza and disturbing reports of mass graves containing numerous bodies. Turk conveyed his horror at the devastation inflicted upon the Nasser and Al Shifa hospitals in Gaza, as well as the grim discoveries of mass graves within them.
According to a spokesperson for the UN, Ravina Shamdasani, Turk was particularly troubled by the accounts of mass graves and the destruction of hospitals. The reports suggested that some of the bodies found had been bound, indicating potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws, prompting calls for further investigation into these incidents.
The UN Human Rights Office is actively working to verify Palestinian authorities’ reports of 283 bodies discovered at Nasser hospital and 30 at Al Shifa. These reports indicate that among the deceased were women and elderly individuals, with some bodies found buried beneath refuse.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with Palestinian authorities reporting a total of 310 bodies discovered in one mass grave at Nasser, while two additional graves have been identified but not yet excavated. Israeli military and diplomatic officials have not responded to requests for comment, citing the Jewish Passover holiday.
Turk at a UN press briefing also condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, noting the high number of civilian casualties, particularly women and children. He issued a stern warning against a potential full-scale incursion on Rafah, where over a million civilians reside, cautioning that such actions could lead to further atrocities.
Palestinian health authorities reported a significant death toll in the Nur Shams area, with allegations of apparent extrajudicial executions. Israel’s military has confirmed engagement in the West Bank but has not provided further details.
The situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains highly volatile, with concerns over escalating violence and potential human rights violations persisting on both sides of the conflict.
