Israel handed over the bodies of 15 unidentified Palestinians who were killed during the Gaza war in the latest exchange of prisoners and detainees between Israel and Hamas, part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan. The release of these bodies followed the recovery of the remains of Ran Gvili, who was held captive by Hamas for over 840 days after being taken during an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Families of the Palestinians have been eagerly awaiting news about their loved ones as forensic teams are working to identify the remaining unidentified bodies. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of the bodies to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, marking the conclusion of a lengthy operation to facilitate exchanges between the two sides.
In total, 360 bodies of deceased Palestinians have been handed over to Gaza officials, all initially unidentified, with signs of torture and abuse observed by forensic experts in Gaza. So far, only 99 of the Palestinian bodies received since October have been identified, with unidentified bodies being buried in mass graves by health officials.
Mu’in Al-Wahidi, head of the special committee at Al-Shifa Hospital, stated that forensic officials will now work on identifying the bodies. The completion of this latest release concluded an operation that began in October, following a truce agreement signed on October 10, 2025, allowing for the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
The ceasefire deal included commitments to hand over all remaining hostages, with future phases yet to be fulfilled, amidst disagreements over next steps, including Hamas’s disarmament. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported casualties from Israeli airstrikes, tank shelling, and gunfire since the ceasefire began in October, following two years of conflict that severely impacted the Palestinian enclave.
The latest developments have added to the toll of Palestinians killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Recent violence has continued, with reports of casualties on both sides, underscoring the challenges of maintaining the fragile ceasefire and advancing to the next phase of the peace plan.
