Israel Accused of Returning Shackled Palestinian Bodies Amid Growing Ceasefire Violations in Gaza

Israel Accused of Returning Shackled Palestinian Bodies Amid Growing Ceasefire Violations in Gaza
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Tensions in Gaza have deepened as Israel faces mounting accusations of war crimes, following reports that the bodies of dozens of Palestinians were returned to Gaza showing signs of execution, shackling, and severe abuse. The shocking discovery comes amid multiple violations of the recently declared ceasefire, further straining hopes for peace and humanitarian relief.

Disturbing Discovery at Nasser Hospital

On 15 October 2025, 45 Palestinian bodies were handed over by Israeli authorities to Gaza health officials, according to reports confirmed by CNN. The bodies reportedly arrived blindfolded, shackled at the hands and legs, and tagged with numbers instead of names.

Medical officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis told reporters that some corpses bore gunshot wounds, while others appeared to have been run over by military vehicles, suggesting potential extrajudicial executions.

“Some are blindfolded, and there are signs of gunshot wounds in some cases, while others have been run over by tanks,” hospital officials said.

The transfer of the bodies reportedly formed part of a swap agreement, under which several deceased Israeli captives were also released earlier the same day.

Israel, Hamas Trade Accusations Over Ceasefire Breach

While Tel Aviv has accused Hamas of violating the truce by delaying the release of about 20 bodies of Israeli captives still in Gaza, the Red Cross said extensive destruction from Israeli airstrikes has made it nearly impossible to retrieve all remains, warning that some may never be found.

In apparent retaliation, Israeli authorities are said to be reducing the number of humanitarian aid trucks permitted to enter Gaza under the ceasefire deal. Although the agreement stipulated 600 daily aid trucks, only a fraction have been allowed entry.

Reports of Multiple Ceasefire Violations

The Gaza Center for Human Rights (GCHR) reported that the Israeli military committed at least 36 violations of the truce since it came into effect on 10 October 2025, resulting in the deaths of seven to nine Palestinian civilians and injuries to others.

The alleged violations included aerial and artillery bombardments, drone strikes, and live fire, concentrated mainly in the eastern and northern regions of the Gaza Strip. One drone strike in Shujaiya reportedly killed five civilians who were inspecting their destroyed homes, while further attacks in Khan Yunis, Jabalia, and Rafah caused additional casualties.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The GCHR condemned the ongoing attacks, asserting that they were carried out without any military necessity and were intended to instil fear and panic among the civilian population. The organisation further warned that Israel’s restriction of food, fuel, and medical supplies constitutes a continuation of genocidal policies through starvation, a violation of international humanitarian law.

“Limiting essential supplies and targeting civilians are deliberate acts designed to sustain an atmosphere of terror and collective punishment,” the group stated, urging the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable for potential war crimes and acts of genocide.

Global Reaction and Ongoing Uncertainty

Human rights organisations and international observers have called for an independent investigation into the reported executions and ceasefire violations. However, Israel has not yet issued a formal response to the latest allegations.

Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with aid agencies warning that restricted humanitarian access could soon trigger a large-scale famine and public health disaster if urgent measures are not taken.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org