Israeli authorities confirmed on Monday that they have received what is believed to be the remains of another hostage allegedly taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the casket, containing the remains of the unnamed hostage, was handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross.
Following the transfer, the remains were transported to Israel and taken to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine for identification procedures. A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office indicated that “Israel has received, through the Red Cross, the coffin of a missing hostage who was handed over to the IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip.”
The circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body remain unclear, as conflicting claims have emerged. The Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades of Hamas stated they “found the body of an Israeli prisoner during ongoing search operations.” In contrast, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, the military faction of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, claimed responsibility for handing over the body.
If verified, this will mark the return of the 13th hostage’s remains to Israel as part of the ceasefire deal established earlier this month. Hamas had also delivered the remains of two additional slain hostages to Israeli officials on Saturday night, stating that these bodies were recovered during search operations across Gaza.
As per the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas is obligated to return the remains of 28 Israelis who either died during the terror attack on October 7, 2023, or while in captivity over the last two years.
Hamas has claimed difficulties in locating the bodies of deceased hostages due to the widespread destruction in Gaza from two years of conflict. However, facing mounting pressure from Israel, the United States, and Arab nations, Hamas has initiated extensive search operations across Gaza, utilizing heavy equipment to sift through debris in search of the deceased. Despite its claims for additional machinery to recover the remaining bodies, Israel has accused Hamas of dishonesty, asserting that it can return nearly all of the remains.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/israel-receives-remains-of-hostage-search-continues-in-gaza-15-missing-10318008/
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Publish Date: 2025-10-21 01:30:00
