On Sunday and Monday, Palestinian authorities discovered two mass graves, one at al-Nasser Hospital and the other at al-Shifa, containing hundreds of corpses. Hospital units have become the target of Israeli military operations. The United Nations has called for an investigation as there may be numerous war crimes involved. Israel has already spoken out and guaranteed non-interference. Reuters
“Some of the corpses had their hands tied, which clearly indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and this should be the subject of further investigation,” UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said, citing the UN’s High Representative. Commissioner for Human Rights.
Is the case already under investigation?
The International Criminal Court in The Hague is currently investigating the Oct. 7 atrocities by Hamas members and the Israeli military’s response, but has yet to make any statement regarding the discovery of mass graves in hospitals in the Palestinian enclave.
Where have more mass graves been discovered?
In accordance with ReutersMass graves have been discovered in Sudan and Ukraine. Kyiv says more than 1,400 people have died in the city of Bucha, occupied by Russian troops. More than 175 victims of the massacre were found in mass graves.
In Sudan, at least 1,000 bodies were buried at Al-Ghabat Cemetery during weeks of massacres in the city of El Geneina between April and June last year.
Are mass graves illegal?
International humanitarian law requires respect for the dead, including the duty to prevent graves from being created and to ensure that remains are identified and properly disposed of. Exploitation, profanation and other forms of disrespect for victims are also prohibited.
Mutilation and desecration of corpses are also included in the list of war crimes of the International Criminal Court.
Could the discovery help the trial?
In ancient trials, mass graves played a decisive role. “The mass graves contain fundamental evidence to establish the truth about the events that took place,” the International Commission on Missing Persons for the Gaza Strip said in a statement.
What are the consequences of violating the law?
The way in which victims are found may worsen the sanctions scenario. Following the discovery of mass graves, the International Criminal Court may bring charges of attempting to cover up crimes.
The fact that some victims were found with their hands tied could also be an argument for judges, as it could mean that those killed were not active participants in the fighting.
Author: Sarah Reis Teixeira
Source: CM Jornal
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.