As of March 2026, Israeli authorities have been retaining the bodies of prisoners who die while serving sentences, holding them until the official sentence period is completed. This policy applies to prisoners who die in custody and has been confirmed by statements from the Israeli Prison Service.
The policy affects both Palestinian and Israeli detainees and has been a source of tension with families, human rights organizations, and advocacy groups. Families of deceased prisoners report delays in funerals and difficulty obtaining the bodies for burial.
Israeli authorities state that the measure is part of internal regulations and procedures within the prison system. Critics argue that retaining the bodies can exacerbate political tensions and violates international human rights norms concerning the treatment of deceased detainees.
In past public statements, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the handling of deceased prisoners by foreign governments, saying that “only sick people keep dead bodies,” highlighting the controversy around policies that withhold the bodies of deceased individuals. Observers have noted the apparent irony of applying this critique in the context of Israel’s current practice.
International organizations have called for transparency regarding the number of bodies retained, the duration of retention, and the legal framework supporting the practice. Discussions continue regarding potential reforms to address concerns raised by families and advocacy groups.
