Palestinian civil defense workers have made a grim discovery while sifting through the rubble in Gaza. According to CNN, they have uncovered almost 400 bodies in mass graves near the area’s two largest hospitals. These hospitals had been raided and occupied by Israeli forces, who later withdrew from the territory.
According to The Guardian, a representative from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concerns over the condition of the bodies found, stating that it suggests “serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations.” The discovery of the mass graves is particularly troubling due to the fact that hospitals, medical staff, and patients are granted special protection under international humanitarian law.
The prevailing climate of impunity necessitates an independent investigation, according to Volker Tรผrk, the UN human rights chief. The U.S. State Department, expressing concern over the reports, has requested additional information from the Israeli government.
Israel has faced criticism from human rights watchdogs for conducting a military campaign in Gaza that shows little regard for the safety of civilians. These organizations have accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting noncombatants, destroying civilian infrastructure, and preventing essential supplies like food and medicine from reaching the besieged area. The situation has also worsened in the West Bank, where Israeli security forces have been accused of supporting settlers in attacking and displacing Palestinian residents.
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