Gaza authorities receive 54 Palestinian bodies, report signs of torture and executions

The Palestinian government’s media office in Gaza announced the receipt of 54 bodies of Palestinians previously held by 'Israeli' forces, stating that official examinations revealed “gruesome violations” and clear signs of torture.

The Palestinian movement described the incident as a “full-fledged war crime and a crime against humanity,” calling for immediate international action to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The announcement comes at a sensitive moment, coinciding with international efforts to implement a recently brokered ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Following the first phase of the agreement, which included the exchange of living captives for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, negotiations have moved to more complex issues, including the recovery of bodies, the full reopening of border crossings, and the beginning of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

The issue of Palestinian detainees held by 'Israeli' forces during ground operations in Gaza, numbering in the thousands, has long been contentious. Palestinian and international human rights organizations report that hundreds of detainees died in custody due to systematic torture, deliberate medical neglect, and starvation policies.

The director-general of the Gaza government media office said that the 54 bodies would be buried today after completing official procedures.

He confirmed that examinations revealed “gruesome violations” inflicted on the victims before their deaths. According to the official, the bodies showed clear signs of torture, contradicting previous claims that the deaths occurred under natural circumstances.

Most alarmingly, the official noted that some of the deceased were executed by hanging or shot at close range, indicating field executions after capture.

“This tragic development underscores the scale of violations against prisoners and detainees from Gaza over the past two years of the war,” the statement said.

The revelation represents a serious escalation in the investigation of war crimes. The government media office called the acts “a full-fledged war crime and a crime against humanity that requires international accountability.”

The announcement also places immense pressure on countries guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement and international human rights organizations.

The office urged international bodies to pursue and prosecute those responsible, calling on the International Criminal Court and other organizations to immediately investigate these crimes.

The delivery of the bodies adds a new and painful chapter to the record of violence in Gaza. Observers note that the ongoing situation now hinges on the international community’s response to calls from local and global organizations, as well as the mediators’ ability to prevent further severe violations.

Thousands of detainees remain in 'Israeli' custody, and many more bodies remain under the rubble, awaiting specialized recovery equipment.