Israel confirms Red Cross handed over another deceased hostage’s body from Gaza, with 12 remains still held by Hamas amid recovery challenges.
CAIRO: Israel announced on Monday that the Red Cross has transferred the body of another deceased hostage from Gaza to the Israeli military.
This development means the remains of 12 hostages are still held in Gaza if the identity of the latest deceased is confirmed.
Hamas cited difficulties in locating bodies within the rubble caused by ongoing fighting as a major obstacle.
The armed wing of Hamas stated earlier on Monday it would hand over a deceased hostage’s body recovered that day in Gaza.
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Body recovery has been a significant challenge in implementing US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan.
An Israeli government spokesperson asserted on Sunday that Hamas knows the locations of the bodies.
Israel permitted an Egyptian technical team to enter Gaza on Sunday to assist the Red Cross in locating remains.
The team will use excavators and trucks to search beyond the yellow line where Israeli troops initially withdrew under Trump’s plan. – Reuters
