Israel Returns 15 Palestinian Remains in Truce Swap

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Israel returned the remains of 15 Palestinians to Gaza on Monday, marking another exchange under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement as diplomats worked to advance the fragile truce.

The handover, facilitated by the Red Cross, followed the release by Palestinian militants of the remains of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin on Sunday. Goldin, who was 23 when he was killed in 2014 during a previous conflict with Hamas, had been the last pre-2023 hostage remains held in Gaza. His recovery ended an 11-year effort by his family, which had publicly marked more than 4,000 days since his death. Israeli military officials had long confirmed his death based on evidence from a tunnel, including bloodied clothing and personal items.

With this latest step, only four hostage bodies remain in Gaza, according to Israeli statements. The exchange adheres to the agreement's ratio of releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage returned. The Gaza Health Ministry, which operates under Hamas administration but employs medical professionals, reported receiving a total of 315 Palestinian bodies so far. Only 91 have been identified, hampered by a shortage of...