Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza

Gaza Strip, Nov 6: The Israeli military on Wednesday confirmed that Hamas has handed over remains believed to belong to a deceased hostage to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, marking another step in the ongoing U.S.-brokered ceasefire process.

According to a statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the remains are being transported back to Israel for forensic testing and confirmation. Prior to this, Hamas had returned the remains of 21 hostages since the ceasefire began on October 10. If verified, the latest handover would leave the remains of six hostages still in Gaza.

The discovery reportedly took place during search operations in Gaza City’s Shijaiya neighborhood. A bulldozer bearing an Egyptian flag was seen digging through the heavily damaged area as armed members of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, secured the perimeter. ICRC vehicles were also spotted at the site.

Eyewitnesses reported that Hamas fighters later departed the scene with several bags loaded onto a pickup truck. In late October, Egypt had deployed a specialized team and heavy machinery to assist in locating and recovering hostages’ bodies within Gaza.

Hamas has stated that the recovery efforts have been hindered by extensive destruction across the enclave, and has been returning one to three sets of remains every few days. Israeli officials, however, have expressed concerns over the identification process, noting that in some instances, the remains handed over were not those of hostages.

The humanitarian coordination continues under international supervision as both sides work to uphold the ceasefire terms and facilitate further recoveries.