ICRC: Search for bodies of Israelis in Gaza could take weeks

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said that the search for the bodies of Israelis killed in the Gaza Strip could take several days or even weeks to complete.

In a statement on October 14, ICRC said its teams are carrying out their role as a neutral intermediary at the request of the parties, stepping in once the remains are handed over to its staff, Caliber.Az reports.

ICRC has called for the dignified management of human remains as it continues facilitating the transfer of the deceased under the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the parties involved in the conflict.

The organisation said it is providing body bags, refrigerated vehicles, and additional personnel to ensure that the deceased are treated with respect during the process.

“Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain,” the ICRC said, urging all sides to ensure the return of remains “under dignified conditions” and to uphold “dignity and humanity” throughout the operation.

The ICRC noted that it has long-standing experience in humanitarian forensics and the management of the dead, calling on both the parties and mediators to ensure that the ceasefire terms are implemented fully and that the remains are returned to their families. It described the effort as “a pivotal task and an essential element for the full implementation of the agreement.”

The organisation added that it would not release any footage of those freed during the operations, citing respect for their dignity, safety, and well-being, and urged media outlets to adopt the same approach.

Founded under the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the ICRC operates as a neutral and independent humanitarian organisation, assisting people affected by armed conflict and violence worldwide. It works to protect lives and dignity while alleviating suffering, often in cooperation with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.

By Aghakazim Guliyev