by Dr. Itay Gal
The identification process will be led by Dr. Chen Kugel, director of the forensic institute and a globally recognized forensic expert.
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The identification of the slain hostages who have been held in captivity for a long time may not be feasible, Dr. Chen Kugel, director of the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, said on Wednesday.
His comments came ahead of the expected return of four bodies as part of the hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas, which the terror group has held for over 500 days since the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023.
The Institute of Forensic Medicine will receive the remains directly from the border, where they will be examined to achieve identification before being released for burial.
Kugel will lead the identification process together with a globally recognized forensic expert and a team of specialists, including pathologists, DNA analysts, anthropologists, radiologists, and forensic technicians.
“Identification is conducted using multiple scientific methods, all of which involve comparing data from the slain with records from when they were alive,” Kugel explained.
“We can use X-rays, weight data comparisons, dental records, and DNA analysis. We will do everything possible, but for the slain hostages that have been held for an extended period, identification is not always feasible,” he added.
The process will begin with a CT scan to create a detailed internal image. Radiology specialists will analyze the scans and compare them with previous medical records.
An autopsy will follow, with DNA samples sent for laboratory testing. Forensic dentists will assess dental features and compare them to existing records, if available.
The full identification process is expected to take up to two days, and once confirmed, families will be notified, and depending on their wishes, the public may also receive updates.
“Tomorrow’s upcoming phase is complex and sensitive, and we will make every effort to ensure that the slain hostages are brought to burial as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Hagar Mizrahi, head of the Medical Directorate at the Health Ministry.
Mediating the event for children
Dr. Gilad Bodenheimer, head of the Mental Health Division at the Health Ministry, urged parents to limit children’s exposure to possible distressing television footage.
“We recommend that children do not watch the complex visuals from the event managed by Hamas,” he said.
“It is important to mediate the event for children and steer them away from fear. We should acknowledge our sadness while reinforcing their sense of security.”
Bodenheimer added, “We also urge people to avoid spreading rumors and to rely only on information from official sources.”
Dr. Itay Gal
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-842810
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