Israel acknowledged receiving human remains from Palestinian militants via the Red Cross, with uncertainty if they belonged to any of the three remaining hostages in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the retrieval for forensic examination and identification purposes. Palestinian Islamic Jihad reported discovering the remains in Nuseirat, a refugee camp in central Gaza earlier this week. This handover marks the latest development following a delicate ceasefire agreement last month, despite mutual accusations of breaches by both sides.
In adherence to the October understanding between Hamas and Israel, Hamas released all surviving hostages (totaling 20) in Gaza in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. The agreement also stipulated the return of 28 hostages’ remains in exchange for 360 Palestinian militants’ remains. To date, Palestinian militants have returned 25 bodies of hostages, leaving two Israelis and one Thai national still unaccounted for. Israel reciprocated by releasing the bodies of 330 Palestinians to Gaza, many of which remain unidentified.
Under pressure from Israel, Hamas cited difficulties in recovering all hostages’ remains due to them being buried under debris from Israel’s prior offensive. Israel criticized the delay, warning of potential military action resumption or aid withholding if all remains were not promptly returned. Netanyahu’s office deemed the delay a violation of the ceasefire terms.
In parallel developments, Egyptian state-linked Al-Qahera News TV reported a follow-up meeting hosted by the Cairo government for mediators and ceasefire guarantors. Attended by Egypt’s intelligence head, the Qatari prime minister, and Turkey’s intelligence chief, the meeting aimed at implementing the second phase of President Trump’s post-war Gaza plan. Discussions centered on addressing challenges, including ceasefire violations, to solidify the agreement. Additionally, Hamas representatives, led by Khalil al-Hayya, engaged in talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo to strategize the next steps in Trump’s plan, involving a transitional governing body for Gaza and a multinational security force.
Since the ceasefire’s initiation on October 10, Israel and Hamas have exchanged blame for breaches, hindering progress on subsequent steps outlined in Trump’s plan.
