Hamas Returns Additional Hostage Remains, Rafah Crossing Remains a point of Contention
israeli authorities received additional remains of hostages from Hamas, with initial reports indicating the transfer may have been unintentional. Qatari sources, as reported by al Araby, indicated that five more coffins containing remains are expected to be transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
However, the rafah crossing, the vital link between Gaza adn the egyptian Sinai, remained closed for the second consecutive day, despite being slated for reopening under the terms of the current ceasefire agreement. Israel closed the crossing, accusing Hamas of failing to fulfill its commitment to return the bodies of all hostages who died while in Gaza.
The potential reopening of the Rafah crossing is expected to occur under the supervision of the European Union Border Assistance Mission, and would allow passage for both people and vehicles. Israel has also indicated it would scale back retaliatory measures, possibly increasing the number of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza - currently reduced by half.
The Palestinian National Authority, led by Abu Mazen, has strongly condemned recent executions carried out by Hamas militants against Palestinians accused of opposing the group or collaborating with the Israeli army.A statement from the Authority described the killings as “heinous crimes” and emphasized the need to restore legitimate Palestinian institutions in Gaza to end the current state of chaos and rebuild trust.
US Central Command, through Admiral Brad Cooper, issued an urgent call for Hamas to promptly cease violence and shootings targeting Palestinian civilians in areas under its control and those protected by the IDF. Since the start of the truce, Hamas militants have reportedly been settling scores with rivals, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Gazans, with evidence of public executions circulating on social media.
Among those killed was Saleh al-Jafarawi, known as Mr Fafo, a prominent influencer in Gaza, who was killed during a clash with the Dughmush clan. He had been accused of misappropriating funds intended for the population.
Throughout the day, the IDF informed the families of Sergeant Tamir Nimrod (18), Uriel Baruch (35), and Eitan Lev (53) that their remains had been identified.
(Source: ANSA Agency)