Palestinians rally in Jerusalem to protest Israel’s refusal to hand over 53 bodies

The families of several Palestinian martyrs whose bodies have been withheld since October held a rally in Jerusalem demanding that the Israeli authorities hand over the bodies to be buried in accordance with Islamic law.

In the rally that was organised by Palestinian forces and organisations in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem, the families of martyrs called for popular activism to force Israel to hand over the bodies.

In addition to the families, other prominent Palestinian figures took part in the rally, including politicians, activists and youths.

According to Quds Press, the occupation authorities are currently holding the bodies of 16 Palestinians from Jerusalem. Their names are listed as follows: Thaer Abu Ghazaleh (Kafr Aqab), Isahac Badran (Kafr Aqab); Mohammed Ali (Shuafat camp); Mustafa al-Khatib (Jabal El-Mokaber); Hassan Manasra(Beit Hanina); Baha’a Alyan (Jabal El-Mokaber); Alaa Abu Gabal (Jabal El-Mokaber); Ahmed Abu Shaban (Silwan); Moataz O’wayssat (Jabal El-Mokaber); Ahmed Quneibi (Kafr Aqab); Mohammed Nimer (Al-Issawiya); Hadeel Awad (Qalandia camp); Ahmad Jamal Taha (Katana); Mazen Oraiba (Abu Dis); Omar Scavi (Beit Hanina); Abdul Mohsen Hassouna (Beit Hanina).

A total of 53 Palestinian bodies are currently being withheld by the Israeli authorities, including 12 children. AS well as the 16 bodies in Jerusalem, there are 20 in Hebron, one in the Negev, one in Qalqiliya, two in Bethlehem, four in Nablus, six in Ramallah, and one in Tulkarem.