Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Israel Identifies Three Returned Hostages as Ceasefire Exchange Advances

The Red Cross facilitated the handover, with verification delays and limited access continuing to strain the US‑brokered truce.

Overview

  • The remains were confirmed as Capt. Omer Neutra, Cpl. Oz Daniel and Col. Assaf Hamami after forensic identification in Israel, and families were notified.
  • Hamas said the three bodies were found along a tunnel route in southern Gaza before transfer to Israeli forces via the International Committee of the Red Cross.
  • Following the identifications, Israel transferred 45 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under the 15‑for‑1 exchange framework, the Red Cross and Gaza health officials said.
  • Israeli officials had earlier determined that three previously returned sets of remains did not match any of the missing hostages, heightening mistrust over the process.
  • Since the October 10 ceasefire took effect, 20 deceased hostages have been returned in total, with eight still unaccounted for, as recoveries proceed in small batches.