Israel returned an additional fifteen bodies of Palestinians on Wednesday amid the ongoing corpse handover process, which has been a key aspect in maintaining a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
This exchange came after Hamas returned the body of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt Itay Chen, who was killed defending Nahal Oz on October 7. The announcement of his death was made five months later.
Despite accusations of ceasefire violations and strikes on the Strip since the ceasefire agreement on October 10, the International Committee of the Red Cross has facilitated the transfer of 285 bodies from Israeli custody to Gaza.
Health officials in Gaza face challenges in identifying the remains due to a lack of DNA testing kits. Israel has not disclosed the number or locations of bodies held but has been returning fifteen bodies each time a deceased Israeli hostage is returned from Gaza.
The recent return of the fifteen bodies to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis followed the handover of Staff Sgt Chen by Palestinian militants in Gaza. These exchanges are a critical part of the initial phase of the U.S.-brokered agreement, which mandates Hamas to promptly return all hostage remains.
Despite accusations of breaching terms of the deal, Hamas returned 20 living hostages to Israel on October 13 and has also returned the remains of 21 bodies.
Israel has raised concerns about partial remains being handed over by Hamas and instances of staged discoveries. Hamas, on the other hand, cites challenges in body recovery due to widespread devastation in Gaza and has been returning bodies gradually.
Casualties have decreased since the ceasefire, but Gaza health officials continue to report deaths from strikes, while Israel confirms military casualties as well.
The agreement stipulates that all Israeli hostage remains must be returned before advancing to subsequent phases, which involve establishing an international stabilization force. Efforts are underway to define the force’s composition, engage Arab countries, and gain international support.
The conflict was sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel and has resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s military offensive has claimed over 68,800 Palestinian lives in Gaza, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The Health Ministry, under the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed records that are generally considered reliable. Israel denies genocide accusations in Gaza and disputes casualty figures without presenting an alternative count.