Forensic teams in Israel are examining bodies following recent violence between Israel and Hamas. The bodies of approximately 1,300 people have been collected and stored at an army base in Ramla, where forensic examinations are being conducted.
An Israeli military official stated that the examinations have uncovered signs of gunshot wounds and other trauma on the bodies. Israel’s military has not publicly released photographs or medical records related to the examinations.
Around 90 percent of military casualties have been identified so far. Efforts to identify civilian victims are still underway.
The violence sparked widespread concern internationally. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli leaders and emphasized the importance of examining evidence from the events.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has compared Hamas to other extremist groups like ISIS. Documents allegedly obtained by media outlets claim that Hamas planned to maximize casualties during the violence.
However, specific allegations of torture, rape, beheadings and other atrocities have not been independently verified at this time. Further examination and transparency around evidence is needed to establish facts surrounding the violence and its aftermath.