In a statement this week, the United States expressed its concern over the discovery of mass graves at Naser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. With over 320 bodies recovered, Washington finds the situation both worrying and disturbing.
Deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel for the U.S. Department of State emphasized the seriousness with which the accusations are being taken, urging Israel to provide more information on the matter. The Israeli Army has denied the allegations, stating that the bodies were examined as part of efforts to locate hostages during a raid on the hospital.
Amnesty International has called for independent investigations into the matter, stressing the urgency of allowing human rights investigators and forensic experts access to the site. Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s senior director, highlighted the necessity of preserving evidence and holding those accountable for possible war crimes.
In addition to these concerns, Patel also criticized reports from Israeli media regarding the legalization of outposts in the West Bank by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The U.S. considers these actions dangerous, reckless, and incompatible with international law. The Biden Administration will continue to push for Israeli officials to refrain from taking these illegal measures that hinder the path to peace.
