Palestinian Bodies Returned Under US-Brokered Ceasefire
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported receiving 45 Palestinian bodies from Israeli custody via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), bringing the total number of remains returned under the US-brokered ceasefire to 90 individuals. The handover is part of an agreement in which Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies for each deceased Israeli.
Medical teams are documenting, examining, and preparing the bodies for delivery to families, following established medical protocols, according to the Ministry of Health.
Signs of Torture and Possible Executions
Forensic teams examining the remains described disturbing conditions, with many bodies showing evidence of physical abuse. Some were blindfolded, handcuffed, or shackled, raising suspicions of field executions. Many were decomposed or burned, some missing limbs or teeth, and others coated in sand and dust.
Sameh Hamad, a member of the commission receiving the bodies at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, stated, “There are signs of torture and executions.” Most of the deceased were men aged 25 to 70, wearing civilian clothing, although some were in uniforms, suggesting they may have been Palestinian fighters.
Identification Challenges
Israeli restrictions on DNA testing equipment entering Gaza have forced local morgues to rely on physical features and clothing to identify bodies. The Red Cross provided names for only three of the deceased, leaving many families uncertain about the fate of their relatives.
The Health Ministry released images of 32 unidentified bodies to assist families in locating missing loved ones. Thousands more remain missing amid ongoing humanitarian concerns.
Context: Gaza War and Casualties
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups has killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Rights organizations and a UN Commission of Inquiry have accused Israel of genocide, allegations Israel denies. South Africa has filed a case at the International Court of Justice alleging genocide in Gaza.
The latest handover reflects part of the ceasefire deal negotiated by US President Donald Trump, aiming to stabilize the region and facilitate humanitarian access. However, many families continue to await news of missing relatives amid the devastating toll of the war.
Personal Impact
Rasmiya Qudeih, 52, awaited news at Nasser Hospital, hoping her son, who disappeared on October 7, 2023, would be among the returned bodies. “God willing, he will be with the bodies,” she said.
The Health Ministry confirmed that unidentified remains will either be returned to families or given a respectful burial.
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