Israel holding bodies of 1,700 Palestinians as bargaining chips, says report

What Happened

Haaretz reported on 13 July 2025 that Israel is holding the remains of about 1,700 Palestinians as potential bargaining chips, despite no Israeli hostages currently being held by Palestinian armed groups. Shin Bet chief David Zini has urged retention of the bodies for future hostage negotiations, a position supported by the Israeli military. Most remains are of Palestinian combatants from the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack, but they also include Palestinian civilians and 13 Israeli citizens. Legal sources cited by Haaretz argue Israel lacks authority to hold non-combatant remains, as the decision is not backed by Security Cabinet policy. The report details a specific case: the body of a Palestinian photographer and father of four, arrested in December 2023 and who died a day later at the Erez Crossing detention centre, is being held. His family learned of his fate in July 2025 after a petition by Gisha. The state claimed he was a 'military Hamas operative', a claim the family refutes. Gisha reported in July 2025 that Israel holds more than 100 bodies of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza who died in custody, at least 68 of them Gaza residents. The government told the court a review was paused due to the war with Iran. Human rights groups condemn the policy as violating international humanitarian law, which requires dignified treatment of the dead. In November 2025, Reuters reported all Israeli captives' remains had been returned as part of an exchange involving Palestinian remains.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The policy of holding dead bodies as leverage raises significant legal and humanitarian concerns, potentially violating international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. It could affect future hostage negotiations and international perceptions of Israel's conduct, especially given the inclusion of civilian and Israeli remains among those held. The practice has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and may influence ongoing or future legal proceedings at the ICJ or ICC.

Watch For

Monitor the High Court petition and the state’s review of the body retention policy, which was paused due to the war with Iran and may resume. Watch for diplomatic reactions, particularly regarding the 13 Israeli citizens’ remains, and any impact on hostage negotiations. Also, observe whether international bodies or human rights organizations pursue further legal action or reports on this practice.