Israel Identifies Two Hostages’ Remains Returned From Gaza, Total Repatriated Rises to 15

Overview

• Israeli forces said two coffins transferred by the Red Cross crossed into Israel under IDF escort and were sent to the national forensic institute for confirmation.
• Aryeh Zalmanovich, 85, abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, and Sgt. Maj. Tamir Adar, 38, killed defending Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, were formally identified.
• The latest return brings to 15 the number of hostages’ bodies repatriated out of 28 slated for the first phase of the truce, leaving 13 sets of remains still in Gaza.
• Israel accuses Hamas of breaching the cease-fire timetable and other terms, citing renewed attacks and temporarily restricting aid through the Rafah crossing as it carried out strikes.
• The IDF says Hamas fired an anti-tank missile in Rafah that killed two soldiers, a claim the group denies, while Hamas says extensive destruction is hindering efforts to recover additional remains.