Gaza doctors struggle to investigate ‘signs of torture’ on unnamed dead returned by Israel

In a recent development under a ceasefire agreement, Gaza doctors are investigating bodies returned by Israel for signs of torture, but severe resource constraints hinder proper forensic examination. Over the past eleven days, 195 bodies have been returned to Gaza by Israeli authorities in exchange for the bodies of Israeli hostages, as part of a deal brokered by Donald Trump. The bodies, delivered by the Red Cross in refrigerated lorries, arrive frozen and often decomposed, complicating identification efforts. Medical teams at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis report that many bodies show multiple injuries, with wrists tied behind their backs, blindfolds, and cloths around necks. Photographs released by Gaza’s health authorities depict these conditions, suggesting potential mistreatment before death. Doctors note that some bodies have bruises, stab wounds, and marks indicating severe restraint. The forensic unit, led by Dr. Ahmed Dheir, struggles with a critical lack of cold storage and DNA testing facilities. Bodies take several days to thaw, during which rapid decomposition begins, preventing autopsies and detailed post-mortems. This forces the team to document the state of the bodies through photographs and samples, rather than conducting thorough investigations. Specific observations include deep indentations from cable-ties on wrists and ankles, with some cases showing bruising that suggests restraints were applied while the individuals were alive. Dr. Alaa al-Astal described instances where blood circulation was cut off, leading to tissue damage, and deep grooves from blindfolds that required significant force. Israeli military authorities have denied tying any bodies prior to release and stated that all returned individuals are combatants from within the Gaza Strip. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister’s Office, Shosh Bedrosian, characterized the reports as efforts to demonize Israel and urged focus on the experiences of Israeli hostages. Context from human rights organizations indicates widespread abuse of detainees in Israeli custody, particularly at facilities like Sde Teiman, where detainees were reportedly cuffed and blindfolded continuously. This background supports concerns about systemic mistreatment that may explain the signs observed on the returned bodies. Families of missing persons gather at the hospital, desperately seeking to identify their loved ones. So far, only about 50 bodies have been positively identified using basic details like height and age, while 54 have been buried unidentified due to space limitations. This has left many families in emotional turmoil, burying bodies without certainty. The situation underscores the need for enhanced forensic capabilities and international cooperation to address human rights violations and provide closure for affected families. As the ceasefire holds, the unresolved issues highlight ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region.