Israel Returns Palestinian Bodies Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel has returned over 80 Palestinian bodies killed in its Gaza Strip offensive. The bodies, some possibly detainees, were handed over without information. Gaza's government claims Israel sent back 89 bodies and has commandeered 2,000 from cemeteries. Amid the conflict, fatalities continue to rise on both sides.

Israel has handed over more than 80 bodies of Palestinians killed in its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. At least 18 more Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli airstrikes on Monday.

Yamen Abu Suleiman, director of the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service in Khan Younis, expressed uncertainty about the origins of the bodies, questioning if they were exhumed from cemeteries during the ground offensive or were detainees subjected to torture and murder. He labeled the situation as a 'war crime' and 'crime against humanity.'

The Hamas-run Gaza government media office stated that Israel had returned 89 corpses in an inhumane manner and accused Israeli forces of stealing 2,000 bodies since October 7. There was no immediate Israeli military comment.

In Jerusalem, the Israeli Hostages Families Forum questioned Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to return the bodies without a ceasefire deal with Hamas. They suggested that a comprehensive agreement could potentially facilitate the return of living hostages and provide proper burials for the deceased.

In southeast Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes and tank shelling persisted overnight, with targeted areas under evacuation orders from Israel. An air strike on Monday killed eight Palestinians traveling in a vehicle near Khan Younis. Additionally, Israel reported the assassination of Abdel-Fattah Al-Zriei, involved in Hamas' weapons manufacturing, in a Sunday strike that also killed his mother.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. According to Israeli figures, 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 taken hostage in Hamas' attacks. The Gaza Health Ministry reported 39,550 Palestinian deaths in the ongoing campaign, though the tally includes both fighters and civilians. Israel contends that a third of the Palestinian casualties are fighters, while claiming around 330 soldiers have died in the Gaza conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)