The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed that Hamas has transferred the coffin of a deceased hostage to the Red Cross. The remains are being handed over to Israeli troops in Gaza, forming part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement. This transfer is a key step in the week-old ceasefire process aimed at ending two years of war.
The Red Cross is taking custody of the coffin, which is on its way to Israeli troops. The IDF emphasized that Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take necessary steps to return all hostages. This marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
Earlier on Monday, it was announced that the remains of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who was held hostage in Gaza, were being flown from Israel to his hometown of Bhimdattanagar. This underscores the international concern and efforts to bring closure to the families of the victims.
The US military is set to oversee the next phase of the peace deal from a coordination base in Israel, indicating the involvement of international actors in the ceasefire process. The IDF noted that Hamas has now handed over the remains of nearly half of the 2,800 dead hostages in Gaza, which is a crucial step in the ceasefire agreement.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the potential violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, with the State Department issuing warnings about the possible attacks on Palestinian civilians. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring the progress of the ceasefire.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.