Hamas Transfers Additional Hostage Remains, Claims Limited Access to Others
GAZA STRIP – Hamas announced Wednesday evening, October 15, that it has transferred all accessible remains of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while asserting that recovering others will require “considerable effort and special equipment.” The transfer included two new coffins handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, later delivered to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in territory controlled by Israel, according to the IDF.
This follows the return of four bodies to Israel the previous day. The armed wing of Hamas,the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades,stated it had “fulfilled its commitment under the agreement” - referring to the ceasefire – by releasing all living prisoners and remains within its reach.
The transfers are part of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The plan stipulates the release of all hostages,both living and dead,taken during the October 7 attack,as well as the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.
Despite Hamas’s claims, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz disputed the assertion that all remains had been returned, threatening a resumption of fighting if Hamas does not comply with the agreement. “If Hamas refuses to respect the agreement, Israel, in coordination with the United States, will resume fighting and act for the total defeat of Hamas,” a statement from his office read.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated Sunday that an “international institution” has agreed to assist in locating any remaining deceased hostages if they are not found and released by Monday.
