Israel has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians following Hamas’ release of an Israeli hostage. The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer to Gaza. Two hostages, one Israeli and one Thai, are still believed to be in Gaza, with Hamas committing to returning them. Mediators from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt met in Cairo to discuss the next stages of the ceasefire agreement.
The upcoming phases involve deploying an armed International Stabilization Force (ISF) and establishing an international body to govern Gaza and supervise reconstruction efforts. The ISF’s responsibilities include maintaining security and ensuring Hamas’ disarmament, a crucial demand from Israel. Indonesia intends to contribute 20,000 peacekeepers to the force.
The timeline for implementing the ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides accused of violations. Israel has agreed to return 15 Palestinian bodies for each recovered hostage under the truce. The Gaza Health Ministry reported the return of 345 Palestinian bodies, but only 99 have been identified due to the lack of DNA testing kits in Gaza.
Israel mourned Dror Or, a hostage killed by Palestinian militants, with his remains recently returned. Or, a devoted father and skilled cheesemaker, perished alongside his wife in an attack on their community. The couple saved their children before being abducted, with most hostages or their bodies now recovered.
Hamas reiterated its commitment to returning the remaining hostages’ remains and urged mediators to pressure Israel to uphold the ceasefire. In separate incidents, Israeli troops engaged in gunfire in Gaza, resulting in casualties. The military stated its operations were responses to potential terrorist activities in the region.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported casualties since the ceasefire’s initiation, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Palestinians in Gaza continue to rely on aid, with reconstruction efforts lagging. Additionally, Israel conducted a military operation in the West Bank, targeting alleged terrorist strongholds. Israel’s actions in the West Bank have drawn international scrutiny, with accusations of war crimes and forced expulsions.