UN stresses importance of preserving forensic evidence of mass graves in Gaza

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN on Thursday emphasized the importance of preserving evidence on mass graves in the Gaza Strip, stating that it is unclear when the requested investigation will take place.

Asked about evidence suggesting that some victims were buried alive in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and what should be done with such evidence, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told at a news conference that "it's important that all forensic evidence be well preserved."

Citing the UN's call for an international investigation on the mass graves, Dujarric said, "How that will take place, it's unclear at this time."

He said some legal units of the UN have the authority to initiate investigations but that has not yet occurred.

Regarding the question about if the UN could send a team to the field, Dujarric said, "It's not a matter of the Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) be proactive because we do not have a mandate to participate in such investigation."

Emphasizing that those conducting the investigation must have access to Gaza, he noted that approval from several countries, including Israel, is required.

Dujarric stated that while the UN is gathering information, preserving potential evidence is another matter.

- Israel approved just 54% of medical evacuation requests

Dujarric provided information on developments regarding medical evacuation requests from Gaza, and said, "Only 54% of patients requiring medical evacuation had their requests approved by Israeli authorities."

"That's fewer than 5,300 patients out of the more than 9,800 in total that need evacuation for medical reasons," he added.

Noting that priority is given to those injured in the conflict, he said individuals with chronic illnesses are kept waiting.

He reported that some children waiting for dialysis died while awaiting permission to leave.

Dujarric further stressed the alarming rates of diarrhea and hepatitis in Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, which claimed less than 1,200 lives.

More than six months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins, and 85% of the enclave’s population has been forced into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of essentials such as food and medicines.