LONDON: Palestinian medical authorities in Gaza received the bodies of 30 people who were held by Israel and handed over on Thursday through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Since the US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas last week, the bodies of 120 Palestinians have been handed over by Israel, according to Wafa news agency.
Hamas returned two more bodies of hostages to Israel overnight, increasing the total to nine out of 28 released. According to the terms of the ceasefire, for every slain hostage held by Hamas, Israel will return the bodies of 15 Palestinians.
Palestinian forensic teams said that some bodies showed signs of abuse, including beatings, handcuffing and blindfolding. Families have confirmed the identities of four victims, while others await the completion of examinations and documentation before handover.
On Thursday, medical sources reported to Wafa that 29 bodies, including 22 recovered from rubble and 10 with injuries, were taken to hospitals in Gaza over the past 24 hours.
Despite a ceasefire in Gaza going into effect on Friday, the death toll has continued to rise, totaling 67,967 people. The number is likely incomplete, as many victims remain trapped under rubble and inaccessible to ambulance and rescue crews, Wafa reported.
