Israel handed over fifteen more Palestinian bodies on Wednesday, prolonging the somber exchange process amidst a fragile Gaza ceasefire. This came after Hamas returned the deceased body of Israeli soldier Staff Sgt Itay Chen, who was killed defending Nahal Oz on October 7 and taken into Gaza. His death was announced five months later.
Despite allegations of ceasefire violations since the October 10 agreement and strikes on Gaza, the International Committee of the Red Cross has transferred 285 bodies from Israeli custody to Gaza. Health officials in Gaza face challenges in identifying remains due to a lack of DNA testing kits. Israel has not disclosed the number or origin of bodies held but has been returning 15 bodies each time an Israeli hostage’s remains are returned from Gaza.
The fifteen bodies were delivered to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Wednesday following the handover of Staff Sgt Chen by Palestinian militants. These exchanges are a key part of the U.S.-brokered agreement, demanding Hamas promptly return all hostage remains. Despite mutual accusations of breaching terms, Hamas has returned living hostages and bodies, while Israel has criticized partial remains and staged discoveries.
Hamas cites difficulties in recovering bodies amidst widespread destruction in Gaza, returning bodies gradually. The ceasefire has reduced casualties, but health officials in Gaza continue reporting deaths, while Israel notes soldier casualties. The agreement’s progression depends on the return of all Israeli hostages’ remains before moving to subsequent phases involving an international stabilization force creation.
The composition and role of the stabilization force remain undefined, with efforts to secure Arab participation and broader international backing. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres advocates for Security Council endorsement for any Gaza entity. The conflict, initiated by Hamas attacking southern Israel, has resulted in numerous casualties and hostages. Independent experts generally trust Gaza’s Health Ministry records, disputed by Israel, which denies genocide allegations without providing an alternate death toll.
