Israel handed over fifteen more bodies of Palestinians on Wednesday, continuing the somber process amidst a fragile Gaza ceasefire. This action followed Hamas releasing the deceased body of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt Itay Chen, who was killed defending Nahal Oz on October 7. His body was transported into Gaza with the announcement of his death made five months later.
Despite allegations of ceasefire violations and strikes on the Strip since the October 10 ceasefire agreement, the handover of bodies has persisted. The International Committee of the Red Cross has transferred 285 bodies held by Israel to Gaza since the agreement was brokered.
Health officials in Gaza have highlighted the challenge of identifying remains due to a shortage of DNA testing kits. While Israel has not disclosed the number or origin of bodies held, they have been returning fifteen bodies each time an Israeli hostage’s remains are returned from Gaza.
The recent return of the fifteen bodies to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis came after Palestinian militants in Gaza handed over Staff Sgt Chen. This exchange is a vital part of the early phase of the U.S.-brokered agreement, mandating Hamas to promptly return all hostage remains.
Despite accusations of breaches from both Israel and Hamas, the exchanges have proceeded. Hamas returned 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13 and has since given back the remains of 21 bodies. Israeli officials have raised concerns about partial remains being handed over and staged body discoveries by Hamas.
Hamas has cited challenges in recovering bodies due to widespread devastation in Gaza, returning one to three bodies every few days. The ceasefire has reduced casualties, although health officials in Gaza continue to report deaths from strikes. The agreement stipulates that subsequent phases will not commence until all Israeli hostage remains are returned.
Efforts are underway to define the role of an international stabilization force in Gaza, garnering support from Arab nations and the international community. The conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, has led to approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of over 68,800 Palestinians in Gaza according to the Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry, operating under Hamas, maintains detailed records considered reliable by experts. Israel has disputed the figures without providing a contrasting toll or acknowledging accusations of genocide in Gaza.
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