Forensic Tests Reveal Returned Bodies not Hostages, Triggering Renewed Strikes in Gaza.

Tensions sharply intensified along the Gaza-Israel border after forensic analysis in Israel found that three bodies returned by Hamas were not Israeli hostages, but Palestinian. The revelation ignited more airstrikes in Gaza, according to Israeli military spokespersons. The bodies were given during a coordinated exchange that involved Israel handing over 45 Palestinian bodies to the Gaza authorities. It was initially thought that three of the bodies might belong to Israeli hostages taken in previous incidents, but following testing of remains and forensic testing of medical evidence at Israel’s National Forensic Centre, officials confirmed that none of the remains were of Israeli citizens or soldiers reported as missing. The testing process utilised DNA sequencing, dental comparison, and body anthropometry as part of the identification process.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began a campaign of targeting strikes on what they called Hamas command and infrastructure sites in central and southern Gaza. Local health officials in Gaza have reported casualties and infrastructure damage, but exact numbers have not been independently verified as operations are ongoing.

Israeli authorities denounced Hamas for supposedly “intentional deception and psychological warfare” to obstruct a potential prisoner-exchange deal. Hamas claimed the uncertainty was due to the disorderly situations of destroyed hospitals and morgue facilities and accused Israel of increasing violence rather than diplomacy.

The incident has renewed international calls for independent oversight in hostage-body transfers and forensic verification processes during conflict.