Israel hands over 15 Palestinian bodies as part of ceasefire exchange

Israel has transferred the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said on Friday, a day after the remains of Israeli captive Meny Godard were returned.

Under the terms of the current ceasefire’s first phase, Israel has been returning the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every hostage repatriated. According to the Palestinian health ministry, 330 Palestinian bodies have so far been received, though only 95 have been formally identified.

Health officials say the identification process is being slowed by the severe shortage of DNA testing kits in Gaza, making it difficult to verify many of the remains handed over by Israel.