The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned the parading of the bodies of Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza as abhorrent and a violation of international law. On Thursday, Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages to the Red Cross as part of a ceasefire agreement. These included the bodies of Kfir Bibas (an infant), his 4-year-old brother Ariel Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifschitz.
The ceremony, which took place under heavy militant presence, involved coffins being placed on a stage surrounded by armed Hamas members, with one militant posing beside a provocative poster reading: “The Return of War = The Return of Your Prisoners in Coffins.” This display has sparked outrage, with the UN Rights Chief emphasizing that the handling of deceased bodies must honor the dignity of the dead and their families, as stipulated by international law.
In his statement, Volker Turk remarked that such treatment contravenes the prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. He added that any action undermining the respect for the deceased, particularly during release operations, is unacceptable.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) echoed these sentiments, calling for privacy and dignity in the treatment of the deceased. This public display has raised further concerns about the growing use of theatrical hostage handovers in Gaza, which have been heavily criticized by the international community since the ceasefire deal was brokered in January 2024.
The tragic images of Israeli families losing their loved ones, compounded by these theatrical and provocative ceremonies, further complicate the already volatile situation in Gaza. The focus remains on ensuring human rights and dignity during such sensitive operations, with international bodies urging all parties to adhere to global standards.
