Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza as displaced families struggle through winter rains

Israel handed over the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Friday, according to officials at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis — a new step in implementing the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

The transfer came one day after Palestinian militants returned the body of Meny Godard, one of the last four remaining Israeli hostages abducted during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. His wife, Ayelet, was killed that day. Hamas and Islamic Jihad said the remains were recovered in southern Gaza.

Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, the remains of 25 Israeli hostages have been returned; three remain missing. On Oct. 13, Hamas also released 20 hostages alive. Under the agreement, Israel releases 15 Palestinian bodies for each Israeli hostage returned — totaling 330 bodies so far, but only 95 identified due to the lack of DNA kits.

Twenty-seven unidentified Palestinians were buried Friday.

Winter hardship for displaced families

As winter rain sweeps through Gaza, displaced families sheltering in tents and ruins face worsening conditions.
Father of seven Abdel Rahim Halawa said his shelter flooded:
“Everything got soaked… If more rain comes, we don’t know how we will survive.”

Some now live in damaged buildings barely standing, supported by tilted pillars, despite warnings from inspection teams.

UN condemns settler violence

UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned a spike in attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. More than 260 attacks were reported in October — the highest number since 2006.

Settlers recently torched a mosque and, earlier in the week, set fire to cars and property in two Palestinian villages. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attacks “shocking,” and the Israeli army chief vowed to stop such incidents.

Palestinian health officials report six teenagers killed by Israeli fire in recent incidents. The Israeli military said its troops responded to Molotov cocktails, explosives or rock-throwing.

What comes next

The ceasefire’s next steps include creating an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government and disarming Hamas.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack, has killed about 69,100 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.