Israeli medical experts have declared several hostages held in Gaza as dead, even in their absence. This unprecedented move aims to provide grieving families with a sense of closure amid the current crisis.
A three-person medical committee has meticulously examined videos of a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen in southern Israel on October 7. By examining the footage frame by frame, they look for signs of fatal injuries among the abducted individuals. They also cross-check their findings with the testimony of hostages released during a weeklong Gaza truce that ended Friday.
Of the approximately 240 people kidnapped, 108 were released by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Since the truce expired, Israeli authorities have declared six civilians and an army colonel dead while in captivity.
Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied these statements. Despite calls from Israel to the Red Cross to arrange visits and verify the welfare of the hostages, they remain incommunicado.
Experts can identify life-threatening injuries and any disruption of breathing or vital reflexes. They also consider the harsh treatment of hostages by their captors, limited access to proper medical care in Gaza, and accounts of former hostages who witnessed deaths.
The risk of making mistakes was evident in the case of Emily Hand, who was initially reported dead but later found alive and released during the truce. However, being denied a proper burial can create psychological barriers for grieving families.
The army has recovered the bodies of a captive soldier and two civilian hostages, while one soldier was rescued in a daring operation. The families of those still held captive continue to call for their release, adding another layer of complexity to this already complex and emotionally charged situation.
the mail Israeli medical experts say Gaza hostages died in absentia appeared first NewsGPT.ai.
English 
Español de Venezuela 