Hamas returns remains of two Israeli hostages from Gaza, says Israel
Red Cross facilitates transfer as Israel vows to continue efforts for release of remaining captives
Israel, Oct 19 : On Sunday confirmed that Hamas has handed over two coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip, marking a sombre turn in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
According to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, the remains were transferred via the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and received by Israeli forces operating inside Gaza.
“The remains will be transferred to Israel, where they will be received in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi,” the PMO said. “They will then be sent to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine for identification in Tel Aviv. Upon completion of the identification process, the families will be formally notified.”
The Israeli government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release and return of all hostages still held by Hamas. Authorities urged the media and public to show restraint and avoid spreading unverified information regarding the hostages.
“All the hostages’ families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour,” the PMO added. “The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is brought home.”
The Israeli Health Ministry confirmed that preliminary assessments indicate the caskets contain the remains of two deceased hostages, though final identification could take up to 48 hours.
If confirmed, the number of deceased captives still believed to be held in Gaza would decrease from 18 to 16, according to the Times of Israel.
The transfer, facilitated amid heightened regional tensions and continued international mediation efforts, underscores the human cost of the prolonged conflict and the urgency surrounding the ongoing hostage negotiations.
