Israel Receives Hostage Remains in Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Israel has received the remains of an Israeli hostage from Gaza militants through the Red Cross, marking another step in the ongoing exchanges under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The handover occurred on Thursday in southern Gaza, where the body was recovered from the Khan Yunis area, according to statements from the armed wings of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Israeli prime minister's office confirmed the transfer, noting that the coffin was handed over to the Israeli army and Shin Bet security service before being transported to Tel Aviv for identification. The military later announced that the remains had reached Israeli territory.

This delivery brings the total number of deceased hostages' remains returned since the ceasefire began on October 10 to 25 out of 28. At the truce's outset, Hamas held 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 others, seized during its October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 individuals. All living hostages were released by October 13 in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by Israel. The agreement stipulates that for each set...