WEST BANK, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Protests were held in several Palestinian governorates in the occupied West Bank ahead of the National Day for the Recovery of Martyrs’ Bodies, demanding the return of the remains of Palestinians whose bodies are being held by the Israeli occupation authorities.
During the protests, families of the martyrs carried photographs of their loved ones whose bodies remain in Israeli custody. They called for all possible efforts to secure their return and ensure their burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
A Crime and a Grave Disgrace
In Tubas governorate, families of martyrs, representatives of Islamic forces and Palestinian factions, and officials from prisoners’ institutions held a sit-in at Martyrs’ Square in the city center, demanding the recovery of the bodies held by Israel.
Saher Sarsour, spokesperson for the National Campaign for the Recovery of Martyrs’ Bodies, said in his speech that the National Day for the Recovery of Martyrs’ Bodies is being observed while the wounds of Palestinian families remain open. He described Israel’s continued detention of the bodies as a serious crime and a disgraceful stain on the occupation authorities.
He added that Israel has openly refused to release the bodies and continues to devise various excuses to prevent their burial. He also noted that several legal proceedings and advocacy efforts are underway to recover the bodies and ensure that the martyrs are buried with the dignity and respect befitting their sacrifices.
“We Want Our Loved Ones Back”
In Hebron governorate, a large public sit-in was held outside the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Hebron city. Families of martyrs who have been waiting for the return of their loved ones’ bodies participated in the protest.
Demonstrators carried photographs of the martyrs and banners calling for respect for the remains of those killed in the conflict and demanding that their families be allowed to bury them in accordance with their religious beliefs, national traditions and customs.
The families passionately chanted: “We want our loved ones back.”
Hisham al-Sharbati, affiliated with the Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and coordinator of the National Campaign for the Recovery of Martyrs’ Bodies, held Israel fully responsible for the continued detention of the bodies and described the policy as an outright violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
Al-Sharbati also referred to what he described as “medical and legal piracy,” calling for the full truth about the fate of the detained bodies to be revealed and for impartial investigations into the abuses committed against them.
“A Black Day”
In Bethlehem governorate, residents and relatives of martyrs whose bodies are being held by the occupation authorities participated in a public gathering demanding the return of the remains of martyrs from the prisoners’ movement and other Palestinians held by Israel.
Issa Qaraqe, head of the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, who was removed from his position by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said the National Day for the Return of Martyrs’ Bodies represents one of the darkest days in Palestinian history and an indelible stain on the conscience of a world that remains largely silent and inactive.
He stressed that Israel is waging what he described as a relentless campaign against the bodies of martyrs held in refrigerators and unmarked cemeteries, continuing to impose punishment and humiliation on Palestinians even after their deaths.
Qaraqe further revealed that, according to available figures, around 1,700 Palestinian bodies are currently being held by the occupation authorities. He expressed concern that the number could be considerably higher in light of the devastating atrocities committed in the Gaza Strip.
He called on the international community to take action and invoke international law to stop what he described as this brutality. He also reaffirmed that the Palestinian people would continue their determined struggle to recover the bodies of their martyrs, secure the release of prisoners, and achieve freedom.
Similar protest activities were also held in Nablus, al-Bireh and Tulkarm, where memorandums and letters were submitted to officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross, calling for the immediate recovery of the bodies of martyrs held by the Israeli occupation authorities.
