Red Cross Stresses Dignified Handling of Dead in Gaza Ceasefire

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a call for the respectful and dignified management of deceased individuals as it executes its duties under the current Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The humanitarian organization is actively facilitating the transfer of human remains in the Gaza Strip, a task it describes as a pivotal element for the full implementation of the truce agreement.

Neutral Intermediary Role

In an official statement, the ICRC detailed its role as a neutral intermediary, which commences once remains are handed over to its teams. To ensure respectful handling, the committee is supplying body bags, refrigerated vehicles, and additional personnel. The ICRC urged all parties and mediators involved in the Gaza conflict to faithfully implement the agreement to enable the return of remains to grieving families.

Recent Exchange Operations

Providing an operational update, ICRC spokesperson Christian Cardon informed reporters at a UN briefing in Geneva that the latest prisoner and hostage exchanges were conducted "without major incidents." He specified that 20 living hostages were transferred to Israeli authorities, while 1,809 Palestinian detainees were received from an Israeli prison and subsequently transferred to Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The operation also included the transfer of four deceased hostages from Gaza to Israeli authorities.

Resumed Activities and Broader Context

Cardon also confirmed that ICRC activities in Gaza City have now resumed after a temporary suspension earlier this month. The recent exchanges are part of a broader process; since October 2023, the ICRC has been involved in operations leading to the release of 172 Israeli hostages and 3,473 Palestinian detainees. This ceasefire and exchange mechanism is a component of a larger 20-point plan to end the war and initiate Gaza's reconstruction.