Israel says it has obtained the physique of a deceased hostage from Hamas.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Workplace stated it obtained the stays from the militant group by way of the Crimson Cross.
A joint assertion from the Israeli Defence Forces and the Israel Securities Authority stated the coffin is being taken to the Nationwide Institute for Forensic Medication, the place identification procedures will probably be carried out.
Hamas stated earlier on Tuesday that it had discovered the physique of an Israeli soldier in Shejaia, an jap suburb of Gaza Metropolis, in an space nonetheless occupied by Israeli forces. Israel’s assertion didn’t point out whether or not the stays had been these of a soldier.
Hamas stated the physique was discovered after Israel granted groups from the militant group and the Worldwide Committee of the Crimson Cross entry to the situation.
Picture:
Hamas militants and Crimson Cross members work at a web site in Gaza Metropolis. Pic: Reuters
Forward of Tuesday’s announcement, Hamas had returned the stays of 20 hostages because the present ceasefire deal started on 10 October.
Beneath the deal, Hamas returned all 20 residing hostages in trade for practically 2,000 Palestinians being held in Israel.
The militant group additionally promised to offer Israel the stays of the lifeless hostages however stated it might be tough to seek out the our bodies underneath the rubble in Gaza.
Picture:
A Hamas militant stands subsequent to heavy equipment shifting coated human stays. Pic: Reuters
If genetic testing confirms the stays handed over on Tuesday, it might imply the our bodies of seven different hostages are nonetheless in Gaza.
For every Israeli hostage returned, Israel has launched the stays of 15 Palestinians, handing over 270 our bodies up to now. Fewer than half have been recognized.
A scarcity of DNA testing kits in Gaza complicates forensic work and the enclave’s well being ministry posts images of stays on-line within the hope households will recognise them.
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October: Egypt crew enters Gaza to seek out lifeless hostages
The US-brokered ceasefire has largely held although the violence has not stopped fully.
The Palestinian well being authorities say Israeli strikes have killed 239 folks because the truce took impact. Israel says three of its troopers have been killed.
Earlier on Tuesday, well being authorities in Gaza stated Israeli hearth had killed a person in northern Gaza. Israel’s navy stated it killed a “terrorist” who crossed into occupied areas and posed an imminent risk.
The most recent battle started when Hamas-led militants killed round 1,200 folks and took 251 hostages of their cross-border assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive within the Gaza Strip killed over 68,000 Palestinians, well being officers within the enclave say. The determine doesn’t break down the variety of civilians and fighters.
