Israel has stated that the three bodies handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza are not those of any hostages, further complicating the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Following the return of 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza by Israel on Friday, completing an exchange after two hostages’ remains were delivered earlier in the week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office verified that the three bodies do not belong to any hostages, with their identities remaining unknown.
Hamas’ armed wing indicated that they provided samples of unidentified bodies on Friday, but Israel declined and requested the bodies for examination instead, aiming to quell Israel’s claims. Health officials in Gaza have faced challenges in identifying bodies due to a lack of access to DNA kits.
In Tel Aviv, families and supporters gathered on Saturday night, demanding the return of all hostages. Since the ceasefire on Oct. 10, Palestinian militants have released 17 hostages’ remains, with 11 still in Gaza. The releases have occurred gradually, with one or two bodies returned every few days, prompting Israel to urge for faster progress. Hamas has cited difficulties in the process due to extensive destruction and Israeli military presence in certain areas.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Israel has been exchanging unidentified Palestinian remains for each Israeli hostage’s remains, totaling 225 Palestinian bodies returned since the ceasefire began. Only 75 bodies have been identified by families, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The circumstances of the deaths of the returned bodies are unclear, whether they were killed during the 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, died in Israeli custody, or were recovered from Gaza during the conflict.
The ceasefire faced a significant challenge earlier in the week when Israel conducted strikes across Gaza, resulting in over 100 casualties, in response to the killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah. Jordan’s foreign minister cautioned that Israel’s military presence in Gaza jeopardizes the ceasefire, stressing the need for a Palestinian police force to maintain security, supported by an international stabilization force with a UN Security Council mandate.
The U.S. peace plan includes the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force to secure Gaza’s borders and ensure compliance with the ceasefire, with multiple nations expressing interest in participating but seeking a clear UN mandate before committing troops. Difficult questions remain regarding Hamas’ disarmament, governance of postwar Gaza, and the timing and method of scaling up humanitarian aid.
Indonesia has offered to contribute thousands of troops for Gaza, emphasizing the importance of an independent Palestinian state while ensuring Israel’s safety and security. The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began with the 2023 Hamas-led attack resulting in numerous casualties and hostages, has been the deadliest and most destructive confrontation between the two parties.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to the death of over 68,600 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel has refuted claims of genocide in Gaza, disputing the ministry’s figures without providing alternative casualty numbers.
