Hamas Hands Over Two Hostage Remains Amid Ceasefire

Israeli forces said Palestinian militants handed two coffins with apparent hostage remains to the Red Cross in Gaza and the bodies were escorted to Israel’s forensic institute for identification, which is expected to take up to two days. The transfer is being presented as a sign the fragile, U.S.-brokered ceasefire is moving forward, though reports differ on how many deceased remain to be returned (estimates range around 11–13). The handover came amid renewed Israeli strikes in southern Gaza that wounded about 40 people, and followed Israeli claims militants killed an Israeli soldier in Rafah — allegations Hamas denies while accusing Israel of violating the deal. Israeli authorities have accused Hamas of staging some recoveries and released footage and forensic findings they say show at least one handed-over body matched remains recovered in 2023; the Red Cross said its staff were unaware a body had been moved and called any staging unacceptable, and Hamas rejected the allegations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of further powerful strikes if ceasefire violations continue as mediators press to keep the agreement intact.