The United Nations (UN) has emphasized the need for Israel to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent hospital strike in Gaza that killed 20 people, including journalists.
The UN rights office spokesman, Thameen Al-Kheetan, stressed that Israel must not only investigate alleged unlawful killings but also ensure that these probes yield results. “There needs to be justice,” Al-Kheetan told newsmen in Geneva, highlighting the large number of media workers killed in the Gaza war “raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists”.
The Israeli military has announced that it will investigate the incident, which occurred on Monday at the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis.
The strike sparked an international outcry, with Reuters, the Associated Press, and Al Jazeera all issuing statements mourning their slain contributors.
Al-Kheetan noted that the Israeli authorities have, in the past, announced investigations into such killings, but these investigations need to yield results. “We haven’t seen results or accountability measures yet. We have yet to see the results of these investigations, and we call for accountability and justice.”
The UN rights office has expressed deep concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, including journalists.
According to Al-Kheetan, at least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war was triggered by militant group Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This staggering number highlights the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and the need for accountability for attacks on media workers.
The international community has been critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with many calling for an independent investigation into alleged war crimes.
The UN’s emphasis on the need for justice and accountability underscores the importance of ensuring that those responsible for violations of international law are held to account.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see if Israel’s investigation into the hospital strike yields meaningful results.
The UN’s call for justice and accountability is not limited to the hospital strike. The organization’s concerns about the broader conflict in Gaza highlight the need for a comprehensive and independent investigation into alleged war crimes.
The international community must work together to ensure that those responsible for violations of international law are held accountable, and that justice is served for the victims of the conflict.
In conclusion, the UN’s emphasis on the need for justice and accountability in the investigation into the hospital strike in Gaza is a crucial step towards ensuring that those responsible for violations of international law are held to account.
The international community must continue to pressure Israel to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Only through accountability and justice can we hope to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote a more peaceful and stable region.