GAZA (The COW News Digital) In a significant development under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Palestinian resistance group Hamas has handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages to Israeli authorities through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This comes after the release of 20 live hostages earlier, marking a sensitive and highly monitored step in the ongoing negotiations.
Israeli media identified the deceased hostages as Gaye Eloz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipan Joshi, and Daniel Perez. The transfer of the bodies was conducted under full international supervision to ensure transparency and adherence to humanitarian protocols.
Hamas has warned that the recovery of the remains of an additional 24 Israeli hostages may take time due to extensive bombardment in Gaza. Several burial sites have reportedly been destroyed, and some bodies may be trapped under debris, complicating the retrieval process.
The handover comes shortly after Hamas released 20 live hostages yesterday under the same agreement. Upon arrival in Israel, the released hostages appeared healthy and relieved, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the ongoing arrangements.
In a related development under the second phase of the agreement, 1,968 Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli jails and transported to Gaza and the West Bank via buses. Emotional scenes were reported as the freed individuals reunited with their families after years of incarceration, bringing tears of joy and relief to their loved ones.
Israeli officials have welcomed the handover of the bodies but continue to urge Hamas to expedite the recovery of the remaining 24 hostages’ remains. Both sides remain under international pressure to adhere to humanitarian standards and ensure the safe return of all individuals involved.
This development underscores the ongoing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where military, political, and humanitarian considerations intersect. While the release of live hostages and the return of deceased individuals represent positive steps, the situation remains fragile, with security concerns and political sensitivities influencing the pace of negotiations.
The ICRC continues to play a critical role in facilitating communication and transfers between the two parties, highlighting the importance of neutral international intermediaries in conflict zones.
As efforts continue to recover and return the remaining hostages’ remains, the situation in Gaza and the broader region remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring every development.
