A disturbing pattern of abuse has emerged following the return of Palestinian bodies by Israeli authorities as part of the recent prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. Medical personnel at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis have documented extensive evidence of torture, execution-style killings, and mutilation among the approximately 45 remains received Tuesday via the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The hospital source revealed that the condition of the deceased varied significantly, with some showing recent signs of death while others arrived in advanced states of decomposition or as partial remains. Particularly alarming findings included bodies bearing clear indications of severe physical abuse, including ligature marks consistent with strangulation, multiple bone fractures, and various forms of mutilation. Several victims were discovered with their extremities bound and eyes covered with blindfolds, while others presented with missing limbs.
Medical authorities believe some of the remains belong to individuals killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks, apparently after being crushed by Israeli military tanks. An additional 45 bodies delivered Wednesday await comprehensive forensic examination according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
This exchange forms part of the ceasefire arrangement established Friday that has already facilitated Hamas’ release of 20 living Israeli captives in return for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The Palestinian movement has additionally released seven deceased Israeli captives from a total of 28, with remaining transfers pending location and recovery operations.
Israel’s practice of retaining Palestinian bodies represents a longstanding policy dating to 1948, with dozens interred in anonymously marked ‘cemeteries of numbers.’ The National Campaign for the Retrieval of Palestinian and Arab War Victims’ Corpses estimates Israel currently holds at least 735 identified individuals, including 67 children and 10 women—among them a 13-year-old Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in 1968.
Recent developments have exacerbated concerns, with Palestinian health officials reporting Israeli forces have exhumed and removed at least 2,450 Palestinian bodies from graves during the Gaza conflict. Media investigations further indicate approximately 1,500 remains remain held at the Sde Teiman military detention camp since October 2023, identified solely by numerical codes.
Human rights organizations have consistently condemned Israel’s retention practices, demanding immediate release and repatriation of all remains to families. Although a 2018 amendment to Israel’s Counterterrorism Law—later validated by the Supreme Court—authorized withholding bodies of Palestinians alleged to have committed violent acts, this practice directly contravenes international humanitarian law. The Fourth Geneva Convention explicitly mandates dignified treatment of the deceased, requiring honorable burial according to religious customs and proper grave maintenance for future recognition.