Israel Confirms Two Hostage Remains Returned During Truce/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Palestinian militants in Gaza handed over two coffins containing hostage remains to the Red Cross, marking continued progress under a fragile ceasefire. Israel says 15 hostages’ remains have been returned so far, with 13 still missing. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Khan Younis injured 40 amid ongoing tensions.
Hostage Remains Returned Amid Gaza Ceasefire Quick Looks
- Two more hostage remains returned to Red Cross in Gaza.
- Total of 15 returned since Oct. 10 ceasefire began.
- 13 hostages remain unaccounted for, says Israeli military.
- Ceasefire shows signs of progress despite ongoing violence.
- Israeli strikes on Khan Younis injure at least 40.
- Israel claims strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” threatening troops.
- Southern Gaza remains under Israeli military control.
- Hospital official in Gaza reports treating dozens of wounded.
- Ceasefire is part of effort to end deadly Hamas-Israel war.
- Tensions remain high despite negotiated handovers and truce.
Deep Look
Two More Hostage Remains Returned in Gaza as Fragile Ceasefire Holds Amid Tensions
JERUSALEM — In a sign of cautious progress during a volatile ceasefire, Palestinian militants in Gaza handed over two coffins containing the remains of Israeli hostages to the Red Cross on Thursday, according to the Israeli military.
This latest transfer brings the total number of hostage remains returned to 15 since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas began on October 10. Thirteen additional hostages are still unaccounted for, Israeli officials said.
The handover of remains is viewed by observers as a key gesture supporting the fragile truce, even as violence continues in parts of southern Gaza.
Overnight Strikes Underscore Ongoing Tensions
Despite the ongoing ceasefire, Israel conducted overnight airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, an area currently under Israeli military control. The Israeli Defense Forces said the strikes were aimed at “terrorist infrastructure that posed a threat to troops operating in the region.”
Hospital authorities in Gaza reported dozens of casualties. Mohammad Saar, head of the nursing department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, confirmed that 40 people were treated for injuries following the attacks.
Officials in Gaza say the strikes caused widespread damage and are complicating relief and recovery efforts for civilians already impacted by weeks of fighting.
Ceasefire Tested But Not Broken
Despite the renewed violence, the ceasefire—one of the most significant diplomatic efforts since the onset of the war—is technically still in effect. Israel formally declared the truce to be back on as of Wednesday morning, even as tensions simmered.
The ongoing return of hostages or their remains has become a critical component of the ceasefire agreement, seen as a barometer of its effectiveness and a humanitarian obligation. Both sides are under international pressure to maintain the truce and advance toward a longer-term resolution.
The Human Toll and Road Ahead
The war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted earlier this year, has been described as the deadliest and most destructive conflict between the two sides in history. Thousands have been killed or injured, infrastructure has been devastated, and humanitarian conditions have rapidly deteriorated—especially in Gaza.
The return of hostages, whether alive or deceased, remains a painful but central issue in negotiations. For grieving families, the return of remains offers a semblance of closure after months of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials say they are continuing intelligence efforts to locate the remaining hostages and secure their return.
Conclusion
While the ceasefire appears fragile, Thursday’s developments show that both sides are still participating in parts of the negotiated framework. As humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross remain active on the ground, hopes persist that momentum toward a more stable peace process can be preserved—even as conflict continues in the shadows.
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