Overview

• Hamas has handed over only nine of the 28 deceased hostages agreed in the first phase, with the group citing access limits and the need for specialized equipment to recover more remains.
• Israel says phase-two talks will not start until all remains are returned and has tied the pace of aid and withdrawal decisions to full compliance with the deal.
• The EU’s EUBAM team is preparing to supervise the reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, a step intended to stabilize and expand humanitarian flows after recent restrictions.
• Both sides report ceasefire incidents, with Hamas alleging Israeli killings and the IDF saying it fired after suspects crossed a designated “yellow line” inside Gaza.
• Italy convened a task force, announced a €60 million aid package and medical deployments, and stated it is ready to contribute personnel to a potential international stabilization force, as UN agencies warn needs in Gaza remain acute.