Red Cross calls for dignified handling of bodies under Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan

GENEVA (AA) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has urged all parties to ensure the dignified management of the deceased as it continues facilitating the transfer of human remains under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan in Gaza.

In a statement Tuesday, the ICRC said its neutral role begins once remains are handed to its teams, who provide body bags, refrigerated vehicles, and additional staff to guarantee respectful handling.

“The faithful implementation of this part of the agreement is pivotal,” the organization said. “Ensuring the return of remains to grieving families is an essential element of the peace process.”

ICRC spokesperson Christian Cardon told reporters in Geneva that the latest exchanges occurred “without major incidents” or formal ceremonies. He confirmed that 20 hostages were transferred to Israeli authorities, while 1,808 Palestinian detainees were handed over by Israel — with some sent to Gaza, others to the West Bank, and a few to East Jerusalem.

In total, 1,968 detainees were released Tuesday, Cardon said. He also noted that four deceased hostages were transferred from Gaza to Israeli authorities through the ICRC.

Cardon added that ICRC operations in Gaza City have resumed after a temporary suspension earlier this month.

Since October 2023, the organization has facilitated the release of 172 Israeli hostages and 3,472 Palestinian detainees as part of ongoing humanitarian operations linked to the conflict.

The ceasefire was reached last week under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, which calls for the release of all hostages, exchange of Palestinian prisoners, large-scale humanitarian aid delivery, and the reconstruction of Gaza.