Israeli reports: Hamas hands over four more bodies of Israeli hostages
Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
The Times of Israel reported, citing a diplomat and an informed source, that Hamas told mediators it intends to hand over the bodies of four additional Israelis on Wednesday, bringing the number of bodies delivered to 12 out of 28 agreed under the ceasefire deal.
Hamas had handed over the remains of four captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday evening, with the same number scheduled for delivery today. According to the newspaper, the coffins believed to contain the captives’ remains were transported to the National Forensic Institute in Tel Aviv, where tests to confirm identities could take up to two days.
Field difficulties and hardline Israeli stance
Hamas said major field difficulties are hampering efforts to recover bodies from under the rubble after two years of war that left widespread destruction in Gaza.
By contrast, Israeli media reports say the Israeli government views that explanation as a delaying tactic and seeks to pressure the movement by restricting the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, keeping the Rafah crossing closed until all remaining bodies — 20 in total — are handed over.
Earlier release of living hostages
On Monday, Hamas released the last 20 living hostages and handed them to the International Committee of the Red Cross before they were returned to Israel, after 738 days in captivity.
The transfer of bodies is a key part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, reached with U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediation, amid close international monitoring of its implementation on the ground.
