Forensic teams uncover signs of torture, decomposition on bodies returned by Israel
So far, we understand that 54 bodies of Palestinians were recently handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which then facilitated their transfer to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
These bodies are scheduled to be buried today. The Health Ministry has also confirmed that, under the terms of the agreement, at least 165 bodies have been handed over by the ICRC.
Forensic teams have reported horrific conditions endured by these Palestinians. Some of the bodies show visible signs of torture, while others have arrived in a decomposed state. This raises serious questions about the circumstances of their deaths, as Israel has not provided further details regarding their ages, names or how they died.
At the moment, the Health Ministry is continuing ground preparations, and it is possible the burials will take place in the city of Deir el-Balah.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says newly received bodies have signs of ‘torture, beating’
In a statement, the ministry has confirmed it received remains of 30 more Palestinian detainees held by Israel, bringing the total number of bodies received since the ceasefire to 195.
The ministry said some of the bodies bore marks of “torture, beating, handcuffing and blindfolding”. It said its medical teams would continue to examine the bodies as per medical protocol to document their condition and deliver them to their families.
Palestinians bury unidentified bodies in Khan Younis
Palestinians prepare to bury unidentified bodies in a mass grave, after they were handed over by Israel, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on October 22
