Guterres calls for independent probe into Gaza mass graves
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says he is “deeply alarmed” by reports of mass graves in several locations in the besieged Gaza Strip.
“There are competing narratives around several of these mass graves, including serious allegations that some of those buried were unlawfully killed,” Guterres said on Tuesday.
The UN chief demanded a transparent inquiry and impartial investigation into the matter.
“It is imperative that independent international investigators, with forensic expertise, are allowed immediate access to the sites of these mass graves, to establish the precise circumstances under which hundreds of Palestinians lost their lives and were buried, or reburied.”
“The families of the dead and missing have a right to know what happened. And the world has a right to accountability for any violations of international law that may have taken place.”
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is reportedly investigating Israel’s savage military offensive in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and could issue arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders.
Hundreds of bodies were recently found at mass graves at Nasser Medical complex, Shifa Hospital and several other locations following Israeli raids on the sites. Reports say the bodies were buried beneath piles of waste and included women and the elderly.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Guterres said an invasion of Rafah would have a “devastating impact on Palestinians in Gaza”.
“All members of the Security Council, and many other governments, have clearly expressed their opposition to such an operation. I appeal for all those with influence over Israel to do everything in their power to prevent it.”
He said more than 1.2 million people were seeking refuge in Rafah after fleeing from Israeli bombardments in the north of Gaza.
“They have very little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, little shelter, and nowhere safe to go. In northern Gaza, the most vulnerable – from sick children to people with disabilities – are already dying of hunger and disease. We must do everything possible to avert an entirely preventable, human-made famine,” Guterres said.
The Israeli premier has renewed his threat of a ground invasion of the southern Gazan city despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire.
Rafah has hosted around one and a half million Palestinians displaced since the start of the Israeli genocidal war.
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