Israel Retains Bodies of 1,700 Palestinians for Possible Future Deals

Israel is reportedly holding the bodies of around 1,700 Palestinians, according to a report published by the Hebrew-language newspaper Haaretz.

The newspaper, citing two sources familiar with the matter, said the bodies are being kept as possible bargaining chips in future negotiations over Israeli captives.

The issue was reportedly discussed in recent meetings within Israel’s security establishment. Most of the bodies are believed to be Palestinians from Gaza who were involved in the October 7, 2023 attack or the fighting that followed.

According to the report, Shin Bet chief David Zini supports keeping the bodies in case Israeli soldiers or settlers are captured or go missing in the future. The Israeli military also reportedly supports this position.

However, legal sources cited by Haaretz said Israel has no legal basis to hold the remains of Palestinians who were not proven to have taken part in fighting.

In October 2025, a Palestinian campaign focused on recovering the bodies of Palestinians said Israel was holding around 1,500 bodies from Gaza at the Sde Teiman military facility.

The report comes amid continued tensions in Gaza despite a ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported thousands of deaths and injuries since the ceasefire began.

The conflict, which started in October 2023, has caused massive destruction across Gaza and resulted in a very high number of Palestinian casualties.