Latest update on ceasefire: Hamas hands over three more bodies of hostages; Israel provides details

News Topical, Digital Desk : Israel made a major claim on Sunday, saying it had received the bodies of three more hostages from Hamas as part of a hostage-prisoner exchange under a US-brokered ceasefire agreement.

In fact, despite minor clashes, peace efforts have been underway in Gaza since October 10. Israel and Hamas have not launched major attacks against each other. This ceasefire is focused on the return of Israeli hostages.

Israeli PM's office issued a statement

Meanwhile, a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Sunday stated that Israel had received the bodies of three dead hostages through the Red Cross, who were handed over to IDF and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Israeli Health Ministry said the bodies of the hostages have been brought to a national forensic center for identification and investigation into the circumstances and cause of death. The Israeli spokesman said experts from the center will meet with the families of the deceased later to discuss and elaborate on the findings.

Hamas holds 48 Israeli prisoners

It is noteworthy that a ceasefire has been in effect between Hamas and Israel, brokered by the US President. At the time of the ceasefire, Hamas held 48 hostages in Gaza, of whom 20 were confirmed alive. Since the ceasefire began, Hamas has released the surviving hostages and begun handing over the remains of 28 deceased prisoners. Of these, Hamas has returned 17 remains so far, including those of 15 Israelis, a Thai national, and a Nepali.

Israel made these allegations

Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of the bodies. Hamas, however, says the process is slow because many remains are buried under the rubble in Gaza. 

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