Search for missing Gaza boy amid gruesome and disturbing human remains

Gaza Families Seek Information on Missing Loved Ones Amid US-Brokered Ceasefire Deal

In Gaza City, a 56-year-old mother, Hanaa al-Mabhuh, is searching for her missing son among the bodies returned by Israel under a recent ceasefire agreement. The images of decomposed faces displayed in the hall and morgue at al-Shifa Hospital are a grim reminder of her quest for closure.

Since the October 7, 2023 raid by Hamas, thousands of Palestinians from Gaza have been seeking information on loved ones who went missing. Hanaa’s son, Omar, an 18-year-old high school student, disappeared along with his cousin Alaa in June last year while inspecting their home in Jabaliya refugee camp.

The family has contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross and several human rights organizations to try to find out what happened to Omar and Alaa. However, they have received no information. Hanaa says she is unsure whether her son’s body was taken by Israel or detained along with other bodies released in batches.

Since Israel began returning Palestinian bodies to Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem crossing, hundreds of family members have been moving between hospitals and reception points seeking clues about their loved ones’ fates. The latest batch of bodies arrived on February 4, bringing the total number of bodies received to 54, along with 66 boxes containing human remains.

The Red Cross is involved in the handovers according to international rules, but human rights organizations note that procedures often lack detailed documentation and circumstances of death, placing a burden on Gaza authorities to classify bodies and attempt identification. Hanaa has visited the hospital several times to review lists and photographs of the bodies, including those of her son.

The US-brokered October 2025 truce agreement stipulated that the remains of 15 Palestinians would be exchanged for the bodies of every Israeli held in Gaza. As of last month, Israeli authorities continue to hold the bodies of more than 770 Palestinians. Hanaa’s efforts to find out what happened to her son are ongoing, as she continues to contact the ICRC and check lists of prisoners released by Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera