Israel Transfers 15 Palestinian Remains to Gaza as Hostage‑for‑Remains Exchange Continues

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza — Israeli authorities on Friday transferred the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, Nasser Hospital officials in Khan Younis reported, in the latest step of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire exchange.

Hostage and remains exchange

The transfer followed militants handing over the body of one of the last four Israeli hostages late Thursday. Israel identified the returned remains as those of Meny Godard, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri in southern Israel; his wife, Ayelet, was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad said the body was recovered in southern Gaza.

Since the ceasefire began on Oct. 10, officials say the remains of 25 hostages have been returned to Israel; three more are believed to still be in Gaza awaiting recovery and handover. Separately, Hamas released 20 living hostages to Israel on Oct. 13.

The agreed exchange formula's first phase calls for Israel to release the remains of 15 Palestinians for each hostage returned. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 330 Palestinian bodies have been received so far under that arrangement, though only 95 have been formally identified.

Gaza health officials warn that identification is hampered by a shortage of DNA testing kits and strained forensic capacity.

Disputes and accusations

The exchanges have proceeded even as both sides accuse the other of breaching aspects of the ceasefire. Israel has alleged that some transfers from Hamas involved partial remains or staged discoveries; Hamas has accused Israeli forces of firing on civilians and restricting humanitarian aid into the territory.

UN response and West Bank violence

U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk on Friday condemned a recent surge in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urged that the violence end and perpetrators be held accountable. A U.N. spokesperson said Türk also called on Israel to halt new settlement activity and address what he described as an unlawful presence in occupied territory.

U.N. officials recorded more than 206 settler attacks against Palestinians in October — the highest monthly total since 2006. Incidents cited include the torching and defacement of a mosque and arson attacks on vehicles and property in several villages. Israeli President Isaac Herzog deplored the attacks as “shocking and serious,” and the army chief of staff said the military would not tolerate criminal acts by a minority.

Outlook and wider toll

The next items in the ceasefire’s 20-point plan include establishing an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming armed groups — steps intended to wind down the conflict that followed the Oct. 7 attack.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 69,100 Palestinians in Gaza. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run administration and staffed by medical professionals, maintains casualty records that independent experts have generally regarded as reliable.

Note: Reporting reflects statements from Gaza health officials, Israeli authorities and U.N. spokespeople. Numbers and identifications cited are those provided by the agencies referenced.