UN chief calls for independent probe into Gaza mass graves
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for international investigators to be given immediate access to mass graves in the Gaza Strip. He also warned of “dangerous repercussions” of the planned Israeli attack on Rafah, south of the Strip.
In statements to reporters on Tuesday, Guterres stressed the importance of conducting an independent investigation into the mass graves recently discovered in Gaza.
The government media office in Gaza said, the day before yesterday, Sunday, that the Israeli occupation forces established six mass graves inside the Strip’s hospitals, and the bodies of 454 martyrs were recovered from them since the beginning of the war about seven months ago.
The majority of these bodies were recovered from the mass graves that were recently discovered in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, following the withdrawal of the occupation forces.
It is essential that independent international investigators be granted access to the sites of mass graves in Gaza immediately,” Guterres said.
Regarding the repercussions of the war, the Secretary-General of the United Nations stated that “the situation of people in Gaza is getting worse day by day,” noting that the war has destroyed the health system, and some hospitals now resemble cemeteries, as he put it.
Guterres urged Israel and the leaders of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) to reach a ceasefire agreement and release the detainees.
He called on the Israeli government to accelerate the pace of bringing aid into Gaza and provide security for the accompanying crews, including the teams of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees ( UNRWA ).
Guterres welcomed the delivery of aid by air and sea but reiterated that there is no alternative to land routes, calling on Israel to fulfill its pledge to open two crossing points between Israel and northern Gaza so that aid can be brought into Gaza from the port of Ashdod and Jordan.
He said that the main obstacle to the distribution of aid throughout Gaza is the need for more security for relief teams and civilians, stressing that convoys, humanitarian facilities, and people in need must not be targeted.
He noted that there was “gradual progress” to avoid “man-made famine” in the northern Gaza Strip but stressed the urgent need for further efforts.
Regarding the attacks by the occupation army, Guterres called on countries allied with Israel to persuade them not to launch a ground military operation in Rafah.
He said that the attack on Rafah would have a devastating impact on the Palestinians in Gaza and have severe repercussions for the West Bank and the entire region.
He added that this attack will constitute an intolerable escalation and will lead to the death of more civilians and force hundreds of thousands to flee.
At the same time, Guterres appealed to donor countries to provide funding that would allow UNRWA’s work to continue.
He said most countries that suspended their contributions to the agency have returned and resumed them, but there is still a funding gap.
