The UN’s top human rights official, Volker Turk, expressed profound shock at reports of mass graves allegedly discovered at Gaza hospitals, including Nasser and Al Shifa, following the recent conflict.
Palestinian authorities claimed to have found numerous bodies at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, abandoned by Israeli forces, and at the Al Shifa site after an Israeli operation.
However, the Israeli military refuted these claims, stating that bodies examined were previously buried by Palestinians, and were respectfully returned to their original burial sites.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized concern over the discovery of multiple bodies, some with signs of restraint, suggesting potential violations of international law.
Turk, represented by Shamdasani, also criticized Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, particularly for their impact on civilians, and warned against further escalation in Rafah, where a large civilian population resides.
Additionally, violence has surged in the West Bank, with reports of fatalities in clashes, some of which are suspected to be extrajudicial killings, although evidence remains unverified.
