Hostage Remains Exchange Continues as Gaza Exit Plan Takes Shape
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Hamas is preparing to transfer additional remains of hostages to Israel as part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, while Israel simultaneously plans to facilitate the departure of palestinian civilians from Gaza, sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed today. The developments signal a continued, albeit fragile, progression in the U.S.-brokered deal aimed at winding down the conflict triggered by the October 7th Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.
The exchange of remains has been central to the initial phase of the agreement, requiring Hamas to return the remains of all hostages “as quickly as possible.” To date, twenty living hostages and the remains of 26 others have been returned to Israel since the ceasefire began in early October. In return, Israel has released the bodies of 330 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The process of identifying the Palestinian remains has been hampered by a shortage of DNA testing kits, with health officials stating they have only been able to identify a fraction of those returned. despite these challenges, and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations, the exchanges have continued. Israeli officials have alleged Hamas has, at times, delivered partial remains or staged the finding of bodies, while Hamas accuses Israel of firing on civilians and restricting humanitarian aid.
The planned allowance for Palestinian civilians to exit Gaza represents a new element in the evolving agreement. Details regarding the criteria for eligibility and the logistics of the departures are still being finalized, but the move is intended to alleviate some of the immense pressure on the territory’s civilian population. The ceasefire aims to de-escalate the war that began with the Hamas attack on Israel,which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages.