The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a raid at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, in February, during which they allegedly found human remains in graves on the hospital grounds. They claimed to have apprehended around 200 people at the facility and seized medicines intended for Israeli hostages. The exact timing of the examination of the remains at the site was not disclosed by the IDF, and NBC News was unable to independently verify their claims. Investigations into the deaths at the hospitals were urged to be independent and international by Türk, given the prevailing atmosphere of impunity.
There had been intense fighting around the hospital since January, with thousands of people, including patients, trapped inside. Israeli forces conducted the raid in February and withdrew ground forces from Khan Younis in early April, allowing Palestinian recovery teams to search through the wreckage. Photos provided show bodies in different stages of decomposition, indicating that burials occurred at different times. Palestinian authorities alleged that the IDF exhumed existing graves at Nasser Hospital and dug new ones, with some bodies found in non-traditional burial bags.
In a news conference at Nasser Hospital, Al-Mughair, a member of Gaza’s Civil Defense, pointed out bodies with bound hands and bullet wounds, suggesting “field executions” by the IDF. He mentioned finding medical equipment on the bodies, indicating that they were patients killed by Israeli forces. Al-Mughair also highlighted the case of a girl with amputated legs who was allegedly alive before the IDF’s raid, raising suspicions of mistreatment. He called for international forensic experts to conduct thorough examinations on the bodies, as Gaza’s forensic laboratories were destroyed.
NBC News reached out to the IDF for comment on the allegations made by Gaza’s Civil Defense, but received a response that denied the claims and labeled them as part of a disinformation campaign against Israel. The IDF spokesperson emphasized that blaming Israel for burying civilians in mass graves was false. However, Palestinian families returning to Nasser Hospital struggled to find their loved ones’ remains and raised concerns about the treatment of bodies found in the graves.
The uncertainty surrounding the deaths at Nasser Hospital and the handling of bodies has led to calls for independent and international investigations to ensure accountability and transparency. The allegations of field executions and mistreatment of patients have further heightened tensions in the region. The destruction of Gaza’s forensic laboratories has hindered the ability to conduct detailed analysis on the bodies found at the hospital, highlighting the need for external expertise in forensic medicine. As the situation in Khan Younis remains volatile, the demand for answers and justice for the deceased continues to grow.
