GAZA: In a somber development, Hamas has returned the bodies of four more Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, marking another tense moment in the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group.
According to official statements, the remains identified as Guy Illouz, Bipin Joshi, Captain Daniel Peretz, and Yossi Sharabi were handed over late Monday as part of a continuing humanitarian exchange arrangement. The process, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was conducted under tight security and amid heightened emotions on both sides.
Israeli authorities confirmed that the bodies have been transferred to forensic experts for identification before being handed over to their families. The development comes as Israel accuses Hamas of failing to fully comply with the terms of the truce, which required the return of all confirmed deceased hostages.
Hamas, meanwhile, has cited logistical challenges and ongoing Israeli military operations as obstacles to locating additional remains, claiming that certain areas in Gaza remain inaccessible due to widespread destruction.
Families of those still missing have expressed deep frustration, calling on both parties — and mediators including Qatar and Egypt — to ensure the full implementation of the agreement. The Israeli government has reiterated that recovering every hostage, living or deceased, remains a national priority.
As international pressure mounts, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with aid agencies warning that the fragile truce could collapse if confidence between both sides further deteriorates.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.