UN Human Rights Commissioner Calls for Investigation into Discovery of Hamas Weapons at Shifa Hospital

On Friday, November 17, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Israel to allow an investigation team from the organization to examine claims of Hamas weapons found at Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Volker Turk, in response to a question from CNN regarding statements from the Israeli army about finding weapons belonging to the militant group Hamas at Shifa Hospital, stated, "We cannot rely on one side or the other," adding that this matter requires "independent international investigations." He noted that there are "various narratives" regarding Shifa Hospital. The Israeli army, which attacked this medical center in Gaza on Wednesday, November 15, claims that Hamas weapons and equipment were discovered at Shifa Hospital. The Israeli government's press office also announced on Thursday, November 16, that its forces discovered an operational tunnel and a bomb-laden vehicle at Shifa Hospital. Despite this, Hamas denies using this hospital and other medical centers in Gaza. According to CNN, Mr. Turk also referred to the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's attacks on Gaza, stating that "we have witnessed severe violations of international humanitarian law." Following the Hamas attack on October 7, more than 1,200 people were killed in Israel, most of whom were civilians. Militants from this group, supported by the Islamic Republic, also took more than 240 hostages, including young children and the elderly. Subsequently, Israel besieged the Gaza Strip and began attacks on the area. Hamas officials, who control Gaza, claim that more than 11,000 people have been killed following Israeli attacks, about 40% of whom are children. In response, Israel has repeatedly stated that it targets Hamas objectives and accuses the group of using civilians as human shields. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, Canada, Japan, and several other countries. The first images from inside Shifa Hospital in Gaza show leftover Hamas weapons. Israel reported that a hostage's body was found near Shifa Hospital; images of a "terror tunnel" in the hospital grounds were released. The United States emphasized the importance of preserving civilian lives; Washington expects Israel to act in accordance with international law. Israel ordered the evacuation of four cities in southern Gaza Strip. Biden stated that the war will stop when Hamas can no longer kill Israelis.