Israel Confirms Return of Soldiers' Remains Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Jerusalem, Nov 3 (AP) Israel announced on Monday that the remains of three hostages, returned from Gaza the previous night, belonged to soldiers killed in the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, which initiated the war. This positive identification represents further progress in the fragile, US-brokered ceasefire.

The military reported that the men died during the attack on southern Israel, with militants dragging their bodies back to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office identified the three as Capt. Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli, Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel, and Col. Assaf Hamami. According to a Hamas statement, their remains were discovered on Sunday in a tunnel located in southern Gaza.

Since the ceasefire commenced on October 10, Palestinian militants have returned the remains of 20 hostages, leaving eight still in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump mentioned on Sunday that he had communicated with Neutra's family, conveying both their relief and heartache. “They are thrilled in one sense, but it’s obviously not all great,” Trump expressed.

Slow Release of Bodies

Militants have been releasing one or two bodies every few days. Israel has pushed for faster progress, occasionally noting that some remains didn’t belong to hostages. Hamas argued that the devastation complicates the process.

In return, Israel has been releasing the remains of 15 Palestinians for each Israeli hostage returned. Health officials in Gaza face challenges identifying bodies due to a lack of access to DNA kits.

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, only 75 of the 225 Palestinian bodies returned since the ceasefire began have been identified. The ministry has shared photos of remains online, hoping families can recognize them.

Who Were the Hostages Returned?

Capt. Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli, was 21 when he perished, abducted with his tank crew during the October 7 attack. The military confirmed Neutra's death in December 2024. His parents actively participated in protests in the US and Israel and addressed the Republican National Convention last year.

Staff Sgt. Oz Daniel, 19, was taken from his tank alongside three others, leaving behind grieving parents and a twin sister.

Col. Assaf Hamami, commanding Israel’s southern brigade in the Gaza division, passed on October 7, 2023, while defending Kibbutz Nirim. Israeli media reports Hamami was the first military personnel to declare war, mere minutes after the attack began. He and two soldiers were killed, with their bodies taken to Gaza. The other soldiers’ remains were recovered in July 2024. Hamami is survived by his wife and three children.

Ceasefire Status

The exchange of hostages for Palestinian bodies is central to the initial phase of the US-brokered ceasefire. The 20-point plan proposes an international stabilization force, comprising Arab and other partners, to work with Egypt and Jordan on securing Gaza's borders and upholding the ceasefire.

Multiple countries are interested in joining a peacekeeping force, but require a clear UN Security Council mandate before committing troops.

Complicated issues persist surrounding Hamas' disarmament, governance in post-war Gaza, and implementing increased humanitarian aid.

The 2023 Hamas-led attack, the catalyst for the deadliest and most destructive conflict between Israel and Hamas, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.

Israel’s military offensive has resulted in over 68,800 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, is staffed by medical professionals and provides detailed records that independent experts generally regard as reliable.

Israel, refuting accusations of committing genocide by a UN commission of inquiry and other entities, disputes the ministry’s figures but has not provided alternative statistics.

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