Mass Graves Unearthed in Gaza Hospitals Reveal Disturbing Evidence of Torture and Executions
In a shocking development, mass graves containing 392 bodies, including women, children, and the elderly, have been discovered in two hospitals in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Civil Defence officials have reported signs of torture and executions, shedding light on the horrifying nature of the atrocities committed during the recent conflict.
Civil defence member Mohammed Mughier revealed that ten bodies were found with bound hands, while others still had medical tubes attached to them, suggesting that they may have been buried alive. Mughier emphasized the urgent need for forensic examination of approximately 20 bodies, suspected to be victims of being buried alive.
Yamen Abu Sulaiman, the head of the civil defence department in southern Khan Younis, disclosed that three separate mass graves were found at Nasser Hospital. These graves were located behind the morgue, in front of the morgue, and near the dialysis building. Only 65 out of the 392 recovered bodies have been identified by relatives due to decomposition, mutilation, torture, or other difficulties. The bodies were found stacked together, providing indications of field executions.
During a news conference in southern Rafah, Abu Sulaiman called on the international community to exert pressure to halt the aggression against the Palestinian people. He also urged humanitarian organizations and international media to be granted access to Gaza for a thorough examination of these crimes.
Photographic and video evidence presented by Mughier showcased the remains of children, raising questions about the presence of children in mass graves. He asserted that the evidence points to Israeli soldiers having committed “crimes against humanity.”
Volker Turk, the United Nations human rights chief, demanded independent, effective, and transparent investigations into these deaths. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for thorough and transparent investigations.
Israeli army spokesman Major Nadav Shoshani claimed that the graves at Nasser Hospital were dug by Gazans several months ago. The Israeli military has acknowledged digging up bodies from graves but stated that it was part of an effort to search for captives still held in the enclave.
The United States’ response to the mass graves has drawn attention, as President Joe Biden recently signed a foreign funding bill providing Israel with $17 billion in additional aid. Despite growing international calls to restrict US assistance to the Israeli military, the bill was passed, raising concerns about accountability.
Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, expressed shock at the level of criminality displayed by the Israelis. He emphasized the tragedy and ugliness of the scenes, stating that they would leave a lasting impact.
