Hamas transfers remains of Israeli hostage under Gaza ceasefire deal
07:17, 28/10/2025, TuesdayU: Update: 10:16, 28/10/2025, Tuesday
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Search operations continue in the Gaza Strip to locate and recover the bodies of Israeli captives as part of the cease-fire and prisoner-hostage exchange deal between Hamas and Israel on October 26, 2025. Representatives from Hamas’ armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) met in Khan Yunis to coordinate efforts to find the remains of Israeli hostages whose locations have not yet been identified. The teams are expected to conduct searches in Rafah under the supervision of the Israeli army, crossing the demarcation line known as the "Yellow Line."Hamas has transferred the body of an Israeli hostage to the International Committee of the Red Cross as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The handover represents the latest development in the truce that has already seen 20 living hostages and multiple sets of remains returned since October.
Hamas has transferred the remains of an Israeli hostage to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, according to Israeli military authorities. The handover occurred under the framework of the ceasefire agreement that has governed the conflict since early October, facilitating the return of both living captives and deceased individuals.
Transfer Process and Confirmation
The Israeli army confirmed Monday evening that a coffin containing the body of a deceased captive was en route to Israeli troops stationed in the Palestinian enclave. The military statement came after Hamas announced it would hand over the remains of an Israeli hostage as part of its commitments under the current ceasefire arrangement. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer between the parties.
Ceasefire Terms and Previous Exchanges
The first phase of the current ceasefire took effect on October 10 under US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. Since the truce began, Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages along with the bodies of 16 others. Despite these transfers, the remains of 12 hostages reportedly remain within the Gaza territory, indicating further negotiations will be necessary for their return.
Broader Conflict Context
The hostage exchange occurs against the backdrop of a devastating conflict that has resulted in massive casualties according to Palestinian authorities, who report over 68,500 fatalities and more than 170,300 injuries since hostilities escalated in October 2023. The ceasefire plan also includes provisions for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a new governing mechanism that would exclude Hamas from political control.