Forensic specialists in Gaza are currently engaged in the process of identifying numerous deceased Palestinians returned by Israel on Wednesday, with indications of physical mistreatment, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry. On the other hand, Israel refuted claims that one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas the previous day was linked to the hostages in their custody.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Hamas adhering to the terms outlined in the ceasefire agreement, asserting that Israel will persist in its efforts until the final deceased hostage is repatriated. Subsequently, Israel transferred an additional 45 bodies of Palestinians in compliance with the ceasefire deal, bringing the total to 90 since the commencement of the truce.
The bodies, lacking identification and only marked with numerical tags, were delivered to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Dr. Ahmed Duheir, the hospital’s forensic medicine director, confirmed signs of physical abuse on the bodies. Duheir mentioned the challenges faced in the identification process due to the limited tools available and expressed hope for advanced DNA testing support from Israel.
Among the bodies, some showed evidence of torture and executions, according to Sameh Hamad, a member of the commission managing the bodies at the hospital. The deceased individuals, aged between 25 and 70, were found with restraints around their necks or ropes. However, the exact origin of these bodies, whether from Israeli prisons or Gaza, remains uncertain.
Additionally, two bodies of individuals killed in drone strikes were received by Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. This incident occurred despite ongoing hostilities, as Israeli forces reportedly killed seven individuals in Gaza post-ceasefire. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid flows have resumed to Gaza following a brief interruption, with the Egyptian Red Crescent dispatching 400 trucks carrying essential supplies.
The dispute over the return of deceased hostages between Israel and Hamas persists, with both parties accusing each other of violating the ceasefire terms. The recent developments underscore the complexities and challenges surrounding the peace process in the region.