Hundreds of Bodies Found in Mass Graves at Gaza Hospitals

In a shocking discovery, Palestinian authorities have uncovered mass graves containing hundreds of bodies at two of the largest medical complexes in Gaza, the Al-Shifa and Al-Nasser hospitals. The United Nations is calling for an international probe into the horrors being revealed, with reports of bodies buried deep in the ground and covered with waste.

Why this matters: The discovery of mass graves in Gaza hospitals has significant implications for international humanitarian law and the accountability of those responsible for such atrocities. It also highlights the need for urgent action to protect civilians, particularly in conflict zones, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

At the Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, 400 bodies have been recovered so far. Another 300 bodies were discovered at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The victims include older people, women, and wounded individuals, with some found tied up and stripped of their clothes. Medical files and urinary catheters were still attached to some of the bodies, confirming the execution of ill and injured people.

Palestinian journalist Motasem A. Dalloul, who witnessed the scene at Al-Shifa Hospital, described the unprecedented destruction. "I saw everything... I saw unprecedented destruction... Homes, schools, mosques, in addition to the actual hospital, were all destroyed. "Dalloul saw amass gravewith 15 visible bodies, including decomposing hands and parts of heads.

The director of Al-Shifa Hospital's ICU department, Dr. Marwan Abu Saada, estimated it would take 10 years to rebuild the facility, stating, "The hospital is gone forever." Gaza's Civil Defense has called for help in forensic examination to determine the circumstances surrounding 20 bodies believed to have been buried alive.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an international investigation into the horrors being uncovered. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has also reported on the execution of ill and injured people, based on evidence found at Al-Shifa Medical Complex.

Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, emphasized the need for an independent international investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. "We received chilling reports about mass graves that were discovered in the Gaza Strip. We need an independent international investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are held to account," Nebenzia stated on May 2, 2024.

The discovery ofmass gravesat Al-Shifa and Al-Nasser hospitals in Gaza has sparked international outrage and calls for a thorough investigation. As the world awaits answers, the victims and their families demand justice for the atrocities committed. The international community must act swiftly to uncover the truth behind these mass graves and ensure that those responsible areheld accountablefor their actions.

Key Takeaways

• Palestinian authorities uncover mass graves at Al-Shifa and Al-Nasser hospitals in Gaza.
• 700 bodies found, including older people, women, and wounded individuals, some tied up and stripped.
• UN calls for international probe into atrocities, citing humanitarian law implications.
• Russia's UN rep demands independent investigation to hold perpetrators accountable.
• International community urged to act swiftly to uncover truth and ensure justice.