The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on Thursday that it facilitated the handover of three bodies to Israel “at the request and with the approval of the parties involved,” noting this is the first such return since the conflict reignited.
The organization stated it operated in its capacity as a neutral go-between and stressed that Israeli authorities would be responsible for identifying the remains. The ICRC clarified that it “does not participate in locating the remains.”
The humanitarian group further noted that its involvement was confined to facilitating the transfer and reiterated that, according to international humanitarian law, the responsibility lies with the parties to search for, collect, and return the deceased.
This transfer represents a rare example of coordination between the parties since the recent escalation of hostilities earlier this month, occurring as humanitarian agencies persist in their calls for wider access to impacted regions.
The ICRC has previously supervised comparable exchanges during conflicts involving Israel and armed factions in Gaza and Lebanon, generally acting solely as an an intermediary to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law.
“The parties must take action to ensure their return to their families,” the ICRC stated, adding that it can fulfill its humanitarian mandate within the framework of the existing agreement.
Israeli officials have not yet disclosed information regarding the identities of the deceased or the specific circumstances of the transfer.
The ICRC’s involvement in body transfers stretches back decades, frequently serving as one of the few remaining communication avenues between adversaries during intense conflicts.