Health and civilian workers prepare to bury Palestinians at a cemetery in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on November 10, 2025. AFP
"The ministry of health announces the receipt of 15 bodies of martyrs released today by the Israeli occupation through the Red Cross, bringing the total number of bodies received to 315" under the captives exchange deal, the ministry said.
They were returned in exchange for the remains of an Israeli officer Lieutenant handed back to Israel the day before.
Last month, the Palestinian health ministry reported that bodies returned by Israel showed clear signs of torture, abuse, and field executions.
Many of the victims had their hands bound and eyes blindfolded, indicating they were subjected to mistreatment before death, the ministry added.
Medical sources added that some bodies bore marks consistent with tank treads, suggesting that several victims may have been run over by military vehicles.
A detailed investigation published by The Guardian also revealed that at least 135 mutilated bodies of Palestinians returned by Israel to Gaza had been held in a detention centre notorious for torture and deaths in custody.
On Saturday, the Palestinian health ministry said that the number of Palestinians confirmed killed in the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza since 7 October 2023 has risen above 69,000 Palestinians.
The latest jump in deaths is attributed to bodies recovered under rubble in the devastated strip since the ceasefire began on 10 October, as well as previously unidentified bodies now being identified.
It also includes more than 250 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes on the strip since the truce took hold.
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