Gaza receives 45 Palestinian bodies from Israel via Red Cross

Gaza's Health Ministry has received the remains of 45 Palestinians returned by Israeli authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross. Wednesday's transfer increases the total number of bodies repatriated to 90 since Tuesday as part of the humanitarian arrangements within the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Transfer process and medical procedures

The Health Ministry confirmed that medical teams are following established protocols to handle the returned remains, including conducting necessary examinations and documentation procedures. The bodies will subsequently be released to families for burial according to standard medical practices. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer as part of its neutral humanitarian mandate in conflict situations.

Ceasefire context and reciprocal arrangements

The repatriation of Palestinian remains occurs within the framework of the ceasefire agreement that took effect October 10. The arrangement includes reciprocal measures, with Hamas having transferred eight Israeli hostage bodies over the past two days following Monday's release of 20 living Israeli captives. These exchanges form part of the broader agreement that also secured the freedom of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention facilities.

Broader agreement framework

The current humanitarian measures implement the initial phase of the ceasefire plan announced by US President Donald Trump following his September 29 proposal. The comprehensive arrangement includes provisions for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza alongside the prisoner and remains exchanges. The agreement's second phase envisions establishing new governance structures in Gaza without Hamas participation, deploying a multinational security force, and implementing disarmament measures following extensive military operations that resulted in substantial casualties and destruction.