Civil Society Coalition Calls for International Investigation into the Massacre of the Abu Sharia and Al-Hasayna Families
A coalition of Palestinian civil society organizations has called for an independent international investigation into the massacre of the Abu Sharia and Al-Hasayna families in the al-Sabra neighborhood of Gaza, after the remains of victims were recovered from under the rubble nearly three years later. The coalition considered the targeting of a densely populated residential block a grave violation of international humanitarian law, demanding accountability for those responsible and an end to impunity.
A coalition of Palestinian civil society organizations has called for an independent international investigation into the massacre of the Abu Sharia and Al-Hasayna families, which occurred in the al-Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, following the recovery of victims' remains from under the rubble nearly three years after the area was targeted. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the coalition said it was "deeply shocked" by the scenes accompanying the recovery of the victims, considering that their bodies remaining under the rubble for this period, with dozens still missing, reflects the scale of the humanitarian tragedy the neighborhood witnessed. The statement added that the targeting of a residential block densely packed with civilians, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including children, women, and persons with disabilities, constitutes, according to the coalition, a grave violation of international humanitarian law, warranting an independent and transparent international investigation and accountability for those responsible for the crime. The coalition viewed this massacre as part of a recurring pattern of violations against civilians and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, criticizing the international community's failure to provide protection for civilians or ensure accountability. The statement held the international community, the United Nations, and the states parties to the Geneva Conventions responsible for taking urgent action to stop the policy of impunity, taking practical steps to protect civilians, and ensuring justice for victims and their families, affirming that the coalition will continue documenting violations and demanding accountability before international justice bodies.