UN chief calls for ‘independent’ probe into mass graves in Gaza
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres expressed alarm on Tuesday over reports of mass graves discovered in Gaza including at two hospitals and allegations those buried there were unlawfully killed, as he demanded an independent investigation.
“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 the Palestinians lost their lives and were buried or reburied,” Mr. Guterres said.
ICC interview
Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court had earlier interviewed sta from Gaza’s two biggest hospitals, two sources said, the rst conrmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in Gaza.
The sources, who asked not to be identied due to the sensitivity of the subject, said ICC investigators had taken testimony from sta who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser.
One of the sources said that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.
The ICC’s o¨ce of the prosecutor declined to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.
The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conªict, including both the October 7 attack by Hamas ghters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza.
During the conªict, the two main Gaza hospitals have both been high-prole Israeli targets - surrounded, besieged and stormed by Israeli forces who accused Hamas militants of using them for military purposes, which Hamas and medical sta deny.
(With Reuters inputs)