Hamas’s Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said it will hand over the remains of two more Israeli hostages at 4:00 pm Gaza time, advancing the U.S.-brokered ceasefire requiring 28 deceased captives. This will raise the returned total to 17, with the International Red Cross overseeing the transfer at Kerem Shalom crossing. Israeli forensic teams will verify identities using updated DNA lists to prevent previous mix-ups.
The planned handover follows Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Gaza, triggered by a Rafah shooting that kills one soldier. Gaza’s civil defense agency said the attacks kill over 100 Palestinians, including dozens of children—the worst night since the October 10 truce. Hamas said it has no link to the Rafah incident and will uphold the deal, but warns that escalation blocks searches in rubble.
Hamas said it will return the 16th body earlier this week, yet Israeli forensics said the fragments belong to a hostage recovered two years prior. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said this violates the truce, nearly ending the agreement. Qatar and Egypt said they obtain pledges for quicker digs amid Gaza’s destroyed buildings and unexploded ordnance.
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Of the 251 hostages seized on October 7, 2023, Hamas said it will release all 20 living captives and will continue returning the dead in phases. At least 60 are believed deceased, with joint crews—Hamas engineers, UN monitors, and forensics—said they will work through hazards in Khan Younis and Gaza City. Families said they will bury Thursday’s remains, expected to include a Thai worker and an elderly Israeli.
U.S. President Trump and Qatar said they will ensure the ceasefire holds despite breaches. A joint committee said it will meet Friday to probe the Rafah attack and enforce schedules. Gaza’s Health Ministry said strikes damage hospitals and displace thousands, hampering routes needed to locate bodies before Phase Two peace talks.
Also Read: Israel Launches Airstrikes on Netanyahu’s Orders, Gaza Officials Say 30 Dead