By Hosea Parah, Abuja

Mass graves have been uncovered in the Gaza Strip, shedding light on the horrifying aftermath of a devastating genocidal war that has ravaged the Palestinian people, Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh of the Embassy of the State of Palestine said the graves expose the brutal reality faced by the Palestinians during the conflict.

The discovery of the mass graves was announced during a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria. According to Ambassador Shawesh, Reports indicate that the number of Palestinian casualties has reached a staggering 34,535, with 77,704 wounded. Additionally, thousands of individuals remain missing, either buried under the rubble or subjected to enforced disappearance in Israeli occupation detention centers.

He said the devastation caused by the war is further highlighted by the dire conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. These individuals endure harsh treatment and receive minimal sustenance, resulting in significant weight loss and serious health consequences. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the scarcity of food, water, and medical care, with approximately 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers struggling to survive.

Ambassador Shawesh emphasized that the war did not only claimed lives but also decimated the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The transportation sector alone has suffered losses exceeding $3 billion, with approximately 945 km of roads and 55,000 vehicles destroyed. The scale of destruction accounts for 65% of the road network and 60% of the licensed vehicles in the strip.

He said, the he recent discovery of mass graves at the Al-Shifa Medical Complex and the Nasser Medical Complex has sent shockwaves through the international community. These graves contain hundreds of bodies, with victims found handcuffed, denied medical care, and even executed despite their health conditions. Disturbingly, suspicions of organ theft surround the unidentified bodies, further adding to the horror of the situation.

Added that eyewitnesses and rescue teams have reported the presence of bodies with signs of torture and plastic restraints. Some victims were found wearing operational clothing, raising alarming doubts about their burial while still alive. These appalling findings suggest that the occupation forces committed crimes against humanity and carried out field executions within the premises of the Nasser Medical Complex.

‘Israel vehemently denies the veracity of these facts, dismissing them as false and disinformation. However, the mounting evidence necessitates an independent investigation committee to be established by the United Nations. A specialized expert technical support team must be tasked with conducting a credible and impartial inquiry into these grave violations”

This He said the war has left a dangerous legacy in the form of unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the Gaza Strip. With an estimated 37 million tons of debris, it is projected that it could take up to 14 years to clear the territory of these deadly remnants. The risk to the lives of Palestinians remains high, as shells and unexploded materials continue to pose a threat, especially as people start returning to their homes.

Ambassador Abdullah emphasized that the global discourse and political arena are witnessing significant shifts, challenging Israel’s portrayal as an eternal victim. Criticism of Israel’s genocidal war is now met with accusations of anti-Semitism and support for terrorism, a tactic aimed at stifling dissenting voices. However, new generations worldwide are becoming more aware and knowledgeable of the facts, leading to pro-Palestine protests spreading across university campuses in the United States.

“As the world grapples with the haunting revelations of the mass graves and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, calls for justice and accountability grow louder.”

He therefore called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take decisive action to ensure that the war crimes committed during the genocidal war are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Only then can the Palestinian people begin to heal and rebuild their shattered lives.