Gaza medics find signs of torture on Palestinian bodies returned by Israel
Key Takeaways
- Gaza received the remains of 45 Palestinians from Israeli custody via the ICRC, totaling 90 bodies returned under a US-brokered ceasefire deal.
- Forensic teams reported finding disturbing evidence on the bodies, including signs of physical abuse, torture, and possible 'field executions' (e.g., handcuffs, neck bands).
- The body return is part of a specific exchange ratio agreed upon in the ceasefire deal brokered during the ongoing Gaza war.
- Identification efforts are hampered by Israeli restrictions on DNA testing equipment, forcing reliance on physical examination and public appeals for recognition.
- Families are anxiously awaiting confirmation of their missing relatives, with the overall death toll in the conflict remaining high according to Gaza health officials.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed receiving the remains of 45 Palestinians previously held in Israeli custody, transferred via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), bringing the total returned under a US-brokered ceasefire deal to 90. Forensic teams examining the bodies at Nasser Hospital described finding signs of physical abuse, torture, and potential 'field executions,' noting some individuals were blindfolded and handcuffed, with some arriving shackled. This exchange is stipulated by a ceasefire deal backed by US President Donald Trump, requiring Israel to return 15 Palestinian bodies for every deceased Israeli returned. Health officials are struggling with identification due to Israeli restrictions on DNA testing equipment, forcing reliance on physical features, and have released images of 32 unidentified bodies. The context includes ongoing accusations of genocide against Israel by rights groups and international bodies, which Israel denies, while families anxiously await news of missing relatives, such as one mother searching for her son missing since October 7, 2023.
