45 Palestinian Bodies Returned to Gaza Under US-Brokered Ceasefire Deal:

Gaza’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the return of 45 more Palestinian bodies from Israeli custody via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of an ongoing ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. The total number of bodies returned under the deal now stands at 90. Medical teams at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received the bodies on Tuesday and Wednesday and are working to identify and prepare the remains for their families in accordance with international forensic standards. However, many of the bodies arrived in disturbing condition, raising serious concerns among human rights observers. According to forensic specialists, several of the returned bodies showed signs of physical abuse, including shackling, blindfolding, and evidence consistent with torture or execution. One body reportedly had a rope tied around its neck, while others bore visible trauma or were missing limbs. “There are signs of torture and executions,” said Sameh Hamad, a member of the committee assigned to handle the returned bodies. “Many were in civilian clothes, although a few appeared to be fighters. All deserve proper identification and dignity.” Under the ceasefire agreement, which was supported by former US President Donald Trump and intended to end the devastating two-year war in Gaza, Israel agreed to return the remains of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli recovered. On Monday, the first batch of 45 bodies was handed over. The exact number of bodies still in Israeli custody remains undisclosed. It is unclear whether the returned remains were recovered from battle sites, detention centers, or exhumed from makeshift graves created during Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza. Throughout the conflict, Israeli forces have conducted operations to locate the remains of captives, often digging up burial sites in the process. The Health Ministry released a video on Wednesday showing medical staff documenting the remains. The images revealed severely decomposed bodies, many covered in dust or sand. In the absence of advanced DNA testing equipment—blocked from entering Gaza due to Israeli restrictions—identification relies heavily on physical markers, such as clothing and dental records. So far, the Red Cross has provided names for only three of the 45 bodies, leaving many families in emotional limbo. Outside Nasser Hospital, 52-year-old Rasmiya Qudeih waited anxiously, hoping to receive news about her missing son. He disappeared on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led attack that marked the beginning of the war. “God willing, he will be with the bodies,” she said tearfully. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war in October 2023. Officials warn the real toll could be far higher, with tens of thousands believed to be buried under rubble or still missing. The Red Cross and Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics also report thousands of unaccounted individuals. International human rights organizations and a United Nations Commission of Inquiry have accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza. South Africa has filed a formal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Israel denies all allegations. As Gaza mourns its dead and continues to search for the missing, families await answers—and accountability.

NEWS