Authorities in Gaza have accused the Israeli military of committing a horrific crime by stealing organs from Palestinian corpses. The Gaza government has demanded that an independent international investigation be launched to uncover the truth behind these disturbing allegations.
Gaza Officials Condemn “Barbaric Crimes”
Ismail Thawabta, Director of Gaza’s Government Media Office, stated that Israel recently handed over 120 bodies through the International Committee of the Red Cross over the last three days. According to Thawabta, most of the bodies arrived in a deplorable state, showing clear evidence of field executions, torture, and mutilation.
He revealed that several corpses were returned blindfolded, with hands and feet tied, and displayed rope marks around their necks, suggesting deliberate strangulation and killings.
“Parts of many corpses were missing, including eyes, corneas, and internal organs,” Thawabta claimed. “This confirms that the Israeli army engaged in organ theft while holding the bodies of Palestinian martyrs. It is a barbaric and inhumane act.”
Gaza Calls for International Accountability
The Gaza administration has called on the United Nations, human rights bodies, and international courts to form an independent investigation committee to examine Israel’s alleged violations. Officials stressed that the desecration of corpses and the theft of human organs constitute a serious breach of international humanitarian law.
Thawabta urged global human rights organisations to take immediate action, warning that “continued silence over such atrocities only emboldens the occupiers to commit more crimes.”
Israel Yet to Respond to Allegations
As of now, the Israeli military has not issued a response regarding the claims. However, reports from Palestinian groups suggest that Israel still holds 735 bodies of Palestinian prisoners, including 67 children, while hundreds of additional bodies are allegedly kept at various military facilities.
According to local organisations, nearly 1,500 bodies of Palestinians from Gaza are believed to be stored at the Sde Teiman military base in the Negev Desert.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Conflict
The allegations come amid the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have killed nearly 68,000 Palestinians, the majority being women and children. Entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, leaving the enclave largely uninhabitable.
A recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas led to the release of 20 Israeli hostages and the return of 10 bodies in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The deal is reportedly based on a 20-point plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes rebuilding Gaza and creating a new administrative framework excluding Hamas.
However, Gaza officials insist that the humanitarian crisis and alleged war crimes cannot be ignored under the pretext of diplomacy. They assert that true peace requires justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Global Outcry Expected
The international community is now being urged to intervene. Legal experts and humanitarian advocates argue that if proven true, the organ theft allegations could amount to crimes against humanity, demanding swift and transparent investigation.
