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."
The Palestinian Civil Defence says it will cooperate with an independent investigation into three separate mass graves found in Gaza containing 392 bodies.
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How should the international community respond when there's evidence of atrocities like those in Gaza?
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What are the ethical implications of digging up mass graves to collect evidence?
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Is it more important to preserve evidence for history or to use it to seek justice now?
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How would you feel if evidence from your community was used in a global investigation?
