Forensic specialists in Gaza are currently involved in the identification process of numerous deceased Palestinians recently released by Israel. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel transferred an additional 45 bodies as part of the ceasefire agreement. This transfer follows a previous handover of 45 bodies to the Red Cross without proper identification.
Dr. Ahmed Duheir, the director of forensic medicine at Nasser Hospital, confirmed that the bodies exhibited signs of physical abuse. The bodies, some already in a state of decomposition, arrived with bindings on their hands or feet, and some had blindfolds. The identification process is challenging due to the lack of advanced tools, and assistance for more sophisticated DNA testing is being sought from Israel.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by Sameh Hamad, a member of the body-receiving commission at the hospital, who noted signs of torture and executions on some bodies. These deceased individuals, aged between 25 and 70, were found with straps or ropes around their necks, some in civilian attire and others in camouflage uniforms.
In a separate development, the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital received two bodies of individuals killed in a drone attack in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood. Despite the ongoing ceasefire, Israel’s military actions resulted in the deaths of seven individuals in Gaza.
The resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, following a brief halt, saw the dispatch of 400 trucks carrying essential supplies. However, there is ongoing tension regarding the return of deceased hostages’ bodies as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli authorities reported the receipt of two more bodies of Hamas hostages for repatriation. The military emphasized the importance of correctly identifying the bodies as part of the ceasefire terms. The return of hostages, both living and deceased, is a crucial aspect of the peace deal, and any violations are subject to scrutiny.
Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire with recent shootings in Gaza, prompting responses from both sides. The delicate truce faces challenges as both parties navigate the terms of the agreement, including the return of hostages and ensuring compliance with the ceasefire guidelines.