The Israeli government has allowed a member of Hamas to enter territory in Gaza controlled by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to assist Red Cross and Egyptian personnel in searching for the bodies of 13 remaining dead hostages. This action follows Israel's claim that Hamas has not fully complied with a two-week-old ceasefire agreement regarding the return of all 28 bodies it was reportedly holding. Hamas maintains its commitment to the deal but states it needs assistance to locate remains buried under rubble from the conflict.
Search Operation Details
On Monday, excavators were observed digging in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that a Hamas person, alongside Red Cross and Egyptian technical teams, was permitted to enter beyond the IDF's "Yellow Line position" in Gaza, operating under close IDF supervision. Ms. Bedrosian also stated that Egyptian teams would bring additional equipment, including "tractor-type vehicles," to aid the search.
Hostage Exchange Background
The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, facilitated the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages. In exchange, Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza.
Previously, Israel handed over the bodies of 195 Palestinians in exchange for 15 hostage bodies returned by Hamas: 13 Israeli, one Thai, and one Nepalese.
Disputed Compliance with Agreement
Israel claims Hamas has violated the ceasefire agreement by returning only 15 of the 28 hostage bodies it was reportedly holding. Ms. Bedrosian stated, "Hamas knows where they are located and there is no other option but for them to be released back home."
Of the 13 dead hostages whose bodies are still in Gaza, 11 are Israeli, one is Tanzanian, and one is Thai.
Hamas's Stated Challenges
Hamas stated its commitment to the deal, which was brokered by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. However, the Palestinian group cites challenges in locating remains. On Saturday, Hamas's chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya stated that Israeli forces had "altered the terrain of Gaza." He also added that "some of those who buried the bodies have been martyred or no longer remember where they buried them."
Families' Demands
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing Israeli hostages' families, has demanded immediate action to ensure Hamas hands over all bodies. The forum urged the governments of Israel and the United States, along with mediators, to delay the second phase of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan until Hamas fulfills all its obligations. This demand followed reports in Israeli media citing an Israeli security official who suggested the Trump administration intended to advance to the second phase even if all hostages were not recovered.
Context of Conflict
All but one of the dead hostages still in Gaza were among the 251 individuals abducted during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Approximately 1,200 other people were killed during that attack.
Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza. According to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 68,500 people have been killed during this campaign.