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Gaza Militants Hand Over Body Believed to Be Israeli Hostage

Verification by Israeli forensic teams will determine whether the fragile truce can advance to its next phase.

Overview

  • The Red Cross received the body from militants and transferred it to Israeli authorities for identification, according to the prime minister’s office.
  • Since Oct. 10, Israel says 24 hostage remains have been returned; if this case is confirmed, three would still be unreturned in Gaza.
  • Under the deal’s 15-for-1 formula, the Gaza Health Ministry reports receiving 315 Palestinian remains and says identification is slowed by shortages of DNA kits.
  • Israel accuses Hamas of handing over partial remains or staging discoveries, while Hamas accuses Israel of firing on civilians and constraining humanitarian aid.
  • Diplomats say later steps, including an international stabilization force, remain on hold until all hostage remains are recovered and verified.