In the latest development, Israel delivered the bodies of 15 unidentified Palestinians who lost their lives during the Gaza conflict. This handover marked the final exchange of prisoners and detainees between Israel and Hamas under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The release of these bodies followed the retrieval of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held by Hamas for over 840 days since the October 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel.
Families of the Palestinians have been eagerly awaiting news about their loved ones as forensic teams strive to identify the remaining bodies. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of the bodies to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. According to ICRC spokesperson Pat Griffiths, this handover concluded a lengthy operation aimed at releasing individuals and remains between the conflicting sides.
Forensic experts in Gaza reported that a total of 360 bodies of deceased Palestinians, initially unidentified, were handed over, many showing signs of mistreatment. To date, only 99 of the bodies released since October have been identified, leading Gaza’s Health Ministry to conduct mass burials for the unidentified bodies.
Mu’in Al-Wahidi, in charge of the body reception committee at Al-Shifa Hospital, stated that forensic officials will now proceed with the identification process. This recent release marked the culmination of an operation initiated after the ceasefire deal signed on October 10, 2025, paving the way for the handover of living hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
The ICRC’s regional head, Julien Lerisson, expressed relief at reuniting families with their deceased relatives, emphasizing the closure this may bring to those mourning. The ceasefire agreement mandated the release of all living and deceased hostages in its initial phase, with subsequent stages pending fulfillment amidst disagreements over future actions, including the disarmament of Hamas.
Amani Al-Naouq, the Red Cross spokesperson in Gaza, stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire and ensuring the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza while abiding by international law. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 490 individuals since the ceasefire’s implementation, following two years of widespread destruction in the region.
Recent casualties in eastern Khan Younis and the Maghazi camp further highlighted the ongoing tension, with both sides trading accusations of ceasefire violations. As the focus shifts to Phase 2, the U.S. and mediator partners face the challenge of addressing contentious issues like Hamas’s disarmament, a critical element rejected by the group. The plan also includes provisions for deploying an international peacekeeping force.