Gaza holds funeral for 54 prisoners returned with signs of torture

A mass funeral was held in central Gaza on Wednesday for 54 Palestinian prisoners whose bodies were returned by Israel as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. The ceremony in Deir al-Balah drew hundreds of mourners as Palestinian officials reported extensive evidence of torture and alleged field executions on the returned remains, raising serious concerns about treatment during detention.

Evidence of Systematic Abuse

Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Gaza Government Media Office, stated at a press conference that medical teams had documented multiple signs of abuse on the bodies. These included hanging marks, ropes around necks, close-range gunshot wounds, burns, fractures, and evidence of being run over by military vehicles. "These acts constitute conclusive evidence of field executions," Thawabta said, calling for international investigations and accountability through institutions like the International Criminal Court.

Identification Challenges for Grieving Families

The condition of the bodies made identification extremely difficult for families searching for missing relatives. Huda Hammad, one of many Palestinians attempting to locate loved ones, explained that facial features were often unrecognizable, requiring DNA testing that remains largely unavailable due to Gaza's damaged infrastructure and longstanding restrictions. Many families could only attempt identification through remaining clothing fragments, as most bodies were returned without documentation or identification.

Ceasefire Context and Ongoing Recovery

The returned prisoners represent part of the exchange process under the ceasefire that took effect on October 10. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, 165 bodies have been received through the Red Cross since October 14 as part of the agreement, which also involves hostage releases and outlines plans for Gaza's reconstruction. The recovery of these remains occurs against the backdrop of continuing humanitarian challenges in the territory, where health officials report over 68,200 fatalities since the conflict intensified in October 2023.