Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a stern condemnation on Thursday regarding the way Hamas transferred the bodies of deceased hostages to the Red Cross.
Türk labeled the act as disturbing and argued that it was in direct violation of international law. “Under international law, any handover of the remains of deceased must comply with the prohibition of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, ensuring respect for the dignity of the deceased and their families,” the UN rights official said in his statement.
During the handover, Red Cross officials voiced their objections to how the bodies were transferred, and a lengthy exchange took place between Hamas members and Red Cross representatives.
In the aftermath, Israel formally registered its displeasure with both the Red Cross and the mediators, criticizing the handling of the transfer.
Earlier, President Isaac Herzog issued a poignant statement: “Agony. Pain. There are no words. Our hearts — the hearts of an entire nation — lie in tatters. On behalf of the State of Israel, I bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not protecting you on that terrible day. Forgiveness for not bringing you home safely. May their memory be a blessing.”
{Matzav.com Israel}