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On Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) categorically denied any participation in the reported transfer of Palestinian bodies from Israel to Gaza amid ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The denial follows claims by Hamas government sources that Israel returned the bodies of 80 Palestinians to Gaza after conducting checks to ensure there were no hostages among them.
According to the Hamas sources, the bodies, initially taken from morgues and graves, were returned through the Red Cross to the Hamas authorities. Subsequently, they were reportedly interred in a mass grave in Gaza.
In response to these assertions, the ICRC issued a statement clarifying its position on the matter. "We are aware of reports stating that the International Committee of the Red Cross was involved in the recent transfer of bodies from Israel to Gaza," the humanitarian organization stated. "We were not involved in this operation at any stage."
The Red Cross's unequivocal denial underscores the importance of accuracy in reporting, particularly in sensitive situations involving humanitarian organizations. As tensions persist in the region, the ICRC's statement aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding its alleged role in the transfer of Palestinian bodies, emphasizing its commitment to impartiality and adherence to humanitarian principles.
