Israel has received the bodies of two deceased hostages from Hamas, marking another step in the ongoing implementation of the ceasefire agreement between both sides.
The Red Cross delivered the coffins to Israeli forces in Gaza before they were transferred to Tel Aviv for formal identification. Authorities have urged the public to remain patient and allow families to be informed first once identification is confirmed.
This brings the total number of deceased Israeli hostages returned by Hamas to 15 out of 28, under the first phase of a U.S.-mediated truce. All 20 living hostages covered in the same deal were released earlier.
Hamas has claimed that locating more bodies has been challenging due to widespread destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli airstrikes. Under the agreement, Israel also released 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 Gaza detainees, while returning the remains of several Palestinians.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the terms of the deal. The situation continues to test the fragile calm as families on both sides await closure.