Hamas has issued a statement demanding DNA testing devices and heavy equipment to properly identify the bodies of Palestinians returned by Israel, some of which reportedly show signs of torture and abuse. The group described the incidents as a “war crime against humanity.”
Allegations of Torture and Abuse
According to Hamas, among the 150 bodies returned, some were handcuffed, blindfolded, or bore signs of strangulation and crushing. The group claims this confirms that the victims were executed while in Israeli custody.
“Some of them were handcuffed and blindfolded, while others bore signs of being strangled or crushed under the occupation’s chains, confirming that the occupation executed them while they were prisoners,” Hamas said in a statement on Telegram.
Urgent Need for Identification and Recovery Efforts
The organization emphasized that most of the returned bodies remain unidentified, calling for immediate DNA testing to establish proper identities. Hamas also requested heavy equipment to remove rubble under which thousands of bodies are reportedly still buried.
“What happened constitutes a full-fledged war crime and a crime against humanity that requires international accountability and responsibility,” the statement added.
Gaza Health Ministry Confirms Findings
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that 25 out of the 150 bodies returned so far have been identified. Officials noted that several of these bodies show clear signs of torture and beatings, highlighting the severity of the reported abuse.
International Scrutiny
The call from Hamas comes amid ongoing global attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns about the treatment of prisoners and civilians in Gaza and prompting calls for independent investigations into potential violations of international law.
