Gaza doctors accuse Israel of torture and executions after examining 90 returned bodies

GAZA STRIP, Oct 16 — Doctors in Gaza have accused Israeli authorities of torture and execution after examining 90 Palestinian bodies returned under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, saying many showed clear signs of abuse, including bound hands and gunshot wounds to the head.

The bodies were delivered to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Wednesday by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Dr Ahmed al-Farra, head of the hospital’s paediatric department, told The Guardian that most of the victims appeared to have been executed.

“Almost all were blindfolded, their hands tied, and they had gunshots between the eyes,” he said. “There were bruises, scars, and skin discolouration suggesting they were beaten before being killed. Some bodies also showed signs of post-mortem abuse.”

Hospital staff said the remains arrived with numbered tags but no names, leaving them unable to identify the victims due to a lack of DNA testing facilities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) directed questions about the allegations to the Israel Prison Service, which has yet to comment.

The exchange of bodies has been a contentious issue in implementing the ceasefire deal, which involves Hamas returning the remains of Israeli hostages who died during the conflict, while Israel transfers the bodies of Palestinians killed in the fighting.

The latest claims emerge as the International Criminal Court continues its investigation into alleged war crimes by both sides, including the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics whose bound bodies were discovered in a shallow grave in March.

Tensions rose earlier this week after Israel threatened to restrict humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing delays in the return of Israeli hostage remains. On Wednesday evening, Hamas said it had returned all the remains currently in its possession.