Key Takeaways
- IDF receives body of deceased hostage from Hamas via Red Cross
- Body undergoing formal identification in Tel Aviv
- Hamas claims to have handed over all bodies it could locate
- Israeli intelligence suspects more remains may be withheld
- 20 living hostages returned earlier this week
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Saturday that they received the body of a deceased hostage from Hamas through the International Committee of the Red Cross. The transfer occurred at the Gaza border as part of the ongoing US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Identification Process Underway
The IDF stated that the coffin, escorted by Israeli troops, crossed into Israel and is en route to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for formal identification procedures.
“The coffin of the deceased hostage, escorted by IDF troops, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago and is on its way to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine, where identification procedures will be carried out,” the IDF said in a social media post.
Military officials emphasized that representatives are accompanying hostage families and urged the public to await official identification before drawing conclusions.
Hamas Confirms Transfer
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem confirmed the terrorist group handed over the body to Red Cross personnel, stating they would “continue working to complete the entire exchange process.”
Before this latest transfer, Hamas had returned the remains of nine out of 28 confirmed deceased hostages held in Gaza, according to CNN reports.
Dispute Over Remaining Bodies
While Hamas claims it has surrendered all bodies it could locate, Israeli intelligence believes the group may still be withholding the locations of some deceased hostages. Two Israeli officials familiar with the situation told CNN that Hamas likely possesses the ability to return more remains.
Recent Hostage Returns
Earlier this week, all 20 living hostages returned to Israel in a major breakthrough. The Israeli government identified them as:
- Elkana Bohbot
- Avinatan Or
- Yosef-Haim Ohana
- Evyatar David
- Rom Braslavski
- Segev Kalfon
- Nimrod Cohen
- Maxim Herkin
- Eitan Horn
- Matan Zangauker
- Bar Kupershtein
- David Cunio
- Ariel Cunio
- Gali
- Ziv Berman
- Matan Angrest
- Alon Ohel
- Omri Miran
- Eitan Mor
- Guy Gilboa-Dallal
Special Israeli forces safely escorted the hostages out of Gaza after Hamas transferred them to the Red Cross.
Conflict Toll
Monday marked the formal end of the two-year war that began on October 7, 2023. According to Al Jazeera, Hamas attacks claimed 1,139 lives and resulted in approximately 200 abductions.
The broader conflict since October 2023 has resulted in at least 67,913 deaths and 170,134 injuries, as reported by Al Jazeera.
