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.
@ISIDEWITH3wks3W
How should the international community respond when there's evidence of atrocities like those in Gaza?
@9LV9P5X3wks3W
End all financial and military aid for Israel until Netanyahu is removed from office and Israel begins a sincere effort to see through a two state solution.
@ISIDEWITH3wks3W
What are the ethical implications of digging up mass graves to collect evidence?
@9LVC82T3wks3W
There is no ethical implication of investigating a crime, as the ethicality lies on the shoulders of the offender.
@ISIDEWITH3wks3W
@ISIDEWITH3wks3W
How would you feel if evidence from your community was used in a global investigation?
@9LVN3X83wks3W
I believe that showcasing the death and destruction of Gaza will help improve how the United States operates the country and will, eventually, help other countries.