Gaza’s largest functioning hospital received the bodies of 15 more Palestinians returned from Israel, continuing exchanges outlined in last month’s fragile ceasefire.
Since the U.S.-brokered agreement, the International Committee of the Red Cross has transported 285 bodies to Gaza, though identifying them is hindered by limited DNA testing.
The returns coincide with Israel receiving the body of Itay Chen, an Israeli soldier killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, as part of the ceasefire’s initial phase requiring Hamas to return all hostage remains.
Both sides have accused each other of violating aspects of the agreement, with Hamas citing logistical challenges and Israeli officials alleging partial or staged returns, the AP has reported.
The next phase of the 20-point plan, including an international stabilization force, will only proceed once all Israeli hostages’ remains are returned.
