South Africa has called for an “impartial” probe into the discovery of mass graves in the Gaza Strip where Israeli forces have continued an offensive against Hamas militants despite an international outcry over civilian casualties.
According to media reports, Palestinian authorities have discovered remains of 202 Palestinians in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this week after it was abandoned by Israeli troops.
Several other bodies were found in mass graves at the Al Shifa medical centre where Israeli special forces had an operation.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement Wednesday that it was concerned about reports of mass graves in the Palestinian enclave and called for immediate and comprehensive investigations to ensure justice and accountability.
The department called on the International Criminal Court to urgently lead a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter that complies with international legal standards to establish the facts and bring those responsible to justice.
“It is the collective duty of the international community to ensure atrocities of this nature are duly prosecuted in terms of the Rome Statute and the Geneva Conventions.”
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war, it said.
It accused Israel of acting with impunity despite rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and United Nations resolutions urging it to stop the bombardment of Gaza.
“In this respect, we call on the international community to act to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure accountability for the victims and their families.”
South Africa has since January secured several ICJ rulings ordering the Jewish state to cease attacks on Gaza and to allow humanitarian assistance for stricken Gazans.
JN/APA