Forensic Analysis Reveals Gaza Detainees Found Bound, Blindfolded, and Tortured
Authorities in Gaza have reported alarming findings, indicating that Palestinian detainees who were returned by the Israeli forces show signs of torture and execution.
According to a spokesperson from Gaza’s forensic department, many of the bodies of Palestinian individuals returned from Israel were discovered to have been blindfolded, with their hands and feet bound.
He referred to these as compelling evidence indicating that the Palestinian detainees endured brutal torture prior to their execution.
He called upon international organizations to swiftly enter the Gaza Strip to document alleged violations by Israeli occupation forces and to ensure accountability for crimes against Palestinians.
The recent developments in Gaza emerged after Israel transferred the remains of 30 Palestinian individuals, previously retained in its facilities, to Gaza authorities. This action is part of a broader ceasefire exchange agreement, as reported by the Palestinian news agency Safa on Friday.
The remains have been moved to Nasser Hospital, located in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. This marks the fifth reported transfer of bodies, raising the cumulative total to 225. Numerous bodies reportedly exhibit signs of torture and execution, including burns, tied hands, and damage to the eyes.
The Guardian reported last week that Israeli authorities have transferred at least 135 bodies of Palestinians from Gaza, which had been held at the Sde Teiman military base, an infamous site associated with accusations of summary executions, torture, and sexual abuse. The report stated that photographs in their possession reveal detainees at Sde Teiman who were blindfolded and restrained.
A ceasefire agreement between Israeli forces and the Palestinian movement Hamas commenced on October 10. Subsequently, on October 13, a declaration on the Gaza ceasefire was signed by Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Hamas has released all 20 surviving captives who had been held in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. In a reciprocated move, the Israeli occupation freed a total of 1,718 Palestinian detainees from Gaza, alongside 250 others who were serving lengthy prison sentences.
The al-Qassam Brigades had earlier delayed the return of the two bodies as a reaction to Israeli breaches of the ceasefire agreement, which they claim included intensive aerial bombardments on Gaza. The retrieval operations necessitated the entry of Egyptian machinery and resources, despite their limited nature, to aid in the process within Gaza.
The Brigades highlighted that the persistent Israeli military escalations and breaches in Gaza are significantly obstructing search, excavation, and recovery operations.
