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Israel Receives Two Hostage Bodies Held by Hamas Amid Ceasefire Deal

Israel has received the bodies of two unidentified hostages who were held by Hamas in Gaza for two years. The transfer was facilitated by the Red Cross as part of ongoing ceasefire arrangements between the conflicting parties. This comes shortly after the identification of another hostage, Tal Haimi, whose body was returned earlier this week. Israeli authorities emphasize that their efforts to recover all hostages will continue until every individual is accounted for.

Key Points: Israel Receives Two Hostage Bodies Held by Hamas in Gaza

  • Bodies transferred through Red Cross mediation during ongoing ceasefire agreement
  • Forensic medicine center in Tel Aviv handling identification process
  • Earlier identification completed for commander Tal Haimi from October 7 attack
  • Israel estimates 28 hostage bodies remain in Gaza with 15 returned so far
2 min read

Israel receives two hostage bodies held by Hamas

Israel receives bodies of two unidentified hostages from Hamas via Red Cross transfer during ceasefire. Forensic identification underway as hostage recovery efforts continue.

"The effort to return our hostages continues ... and will not cease until the last hostage is returned - Prime Minister's Office"

Jerusalem, Oct 22

Israel received the bodies of two unidentified Israeli hostages who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for two years, the Prime Minister's Office said.

The coffins were handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza on Tuesday, which transferred them to the Israeli military and Shin Bet security agents inside the enclave. "From there, they will be transferred to Israel," the office said, adding that the bodies will then be taken to the National Center for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv.

"The effort to return our hostages continues ... and will not cease until the last hostage is returned," it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the National Center of Forensic Medicine completed the identification of another deceased hostage whose body was handed over by Hamas on Monday night. The Israeli military identified him as Tal Haimi, commander of the rapid response team at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, a community near Gaza that was attacked during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was the latest exchange of captives and bodies under a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, under which all 20 living Israeli hostages were released by Hamas and about 2,000 Palestinian detainees were released by Israel.

Israel estimates that the bodies of 28 hostages have been held in Gaza, some of whom were killed before being taken and others who died in captivity. Hamas has so far returned 15 bodies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I sympathize with the Israeli families, we must also remember the thousands of Palestinian detainees being held. Both sides need humanitarian consideration. The cycle of violence must end.
A
Arjun K
As an Indian who values peace, I hope both nations find a permanent solution. No mother should wait years to receive her child's body. This is truly tragic.
S
Sarah B
The Red Cross doing important humanitarian work here. At least some families are getting closure after two long years. Can't imagine their pain.
V
Vikram M
This ceasefire and exchange is a positive step. More dialogue is needed between both parties. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts - hope this continues.
M
Michael C
Respect to Tal Haimi who served his community. The forensic teams are doing crucial work identifying the victims. Hope the remaining 13 bodies are returned soon.

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