Fifteen additional bodies of Palestinians were handed over by Israel on Wednesday, continuing the somber process of transferring remains that has been testing the fragile Gaza ceasefire. This exchange came after Hamas released the body of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt Itay Chen, who was killed defending Nahal Oz on October 7. His death was only announced five months later.
Despite allegations of ceasefire violations since the agreement was reached on October 10 and strikes on the Strip, the handover of bodies has persisted. The International Committee of the Red Cross has facilitated the transfer of 285 bodies from Israeli custody to Gaza since the ceasefire was brokered.
Health officials in Gaza have highlighted the challenges of identifying the remains due to a lack of DNA testing kits. Israel has not disclosed the exact number or locations of the bodies it holds, but consistently returns 15 bodies each time a deceased Israeli hostage is repatriated from Gaza.
The latest transfer of 15 bodies occurred at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis following the return of Staff Sgt Chen by Palestinian militants. These exchanges are a key element of the U.S.-brokered agreement’s initial phase, mandating Hamas to promptly return all hostage remains.
While both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching terms of the deal, the exchanges have proceeded. Hamas returned 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13 and has also repatriated the remains of 21 bodies.
Israeli officials have raised concerns about partial remains being handed over by Hamas and alleged staged discoveries of bodies. They have urged for expedited returns and disputed the identity of some remains.
Hamas has cited challenges in recovering bodies due to extensive damage in Gaza, returning one to three bodies every few days. The group has criticized Israel for targeting civilians and impeding humanitarian aid access to the territory.
Although casualties have decreased since the ceasefire, health officials in Gaza report ongoing deaths from strikes, while Israel acknowledges losses among its soldiers.
The progression to subsequent phases of the agreement hinges on the return of all Israeli hostage remains. Future steps involve establishing an international stabilization force, with efforts underway to define its composition, engage Arab nations, and garner broad international support.
The conflict was sparked by a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s extensive military operation in response has reportedly led to over 68,800 Palestinian fatalities in Gaza, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
The ministry, operating under Hamas authority and comprising medical professionals, maintains detailed and generally reliable records. Israel, refuting claims of genocide in Gaza, has contested the ministry’s figures without providing an alternative death toll.