Returning remains of hostages time-consuming, Red Cross says

The International Committee of the Red Cross will ensure that all hostage remains are handled with respect as they are returned to Israel, according to a Tuesday statement from the group. Hamas agreed to release all hostages taken during their Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel as part of the latest peace deal. The 20 remaining living hostages were returned on Monday, and the remains of other deceased hostages have begun following them.

ICRC spokesman Christian Cardon warned on Tuesday that returning hostage remains will take some time. It could take days or weeks, and some may never be found, he said, according to The Times of Israel. Specifically in Gaza, it's going to be hard to find human remains since so many are under rubble, he explained. Human remains are being handed over from both sides, but finding the remains themselves will be a challenge, he added.

What kind of tactics will be used to protect the dignity of the diseased? Red Cross teams are providing body bags, refrigerated vehicles, and additional staff to ensure the process is handled with proper dignity, according to the Red Cross’ statement. The organization would not release any footage of the hostages and detainees during the return operations and encouraged media outlets to show similar restraint. Grieving families have already endured unimaginable pain, which underscores the importance of a humane and dignified return of remains, the group added.

The Red Cross already facilitated the 20 living hostages’ return, along with the release of 1,808 Palestinian detainees mandated under the ceasefire agreement, the ICRC said Monday. Red Cross staffers also returned four sets of hostage remains, the group added.

Dig deeper: Read Travis K. Kircher’s on-the-ground reporting of Israelis celebrating the return of Hamas hostages.