Israel Confirms Receipt of Body from Hamas Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tue Oct 21 2025 01:39:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant development following a recent ceasefire, Israel receives a body from Hamas, raising tensions regarding the return of hostages.

Hamas has handed over a body it claims is a hostage, which was fetched by the Red Cross and is now set for identification in Israel. This action follows the return of 20 living hostages and adds pressure on Hamas to fulfill its end of a ceasefire agreement. Tensions remain high as Israel pushes for the return of all deceased hostages, while ongoing violent exchanges on the ground complicate the situation.

Hamas has handed over a body that it says is a hostage, the Israeli military has said.

The body was transported by the Red Cross to Israeli forces in Gaza and will now be returned to Israel for formal identification.

Before Monday, Hamas had handed over all 20 living hostages and 12 out of 28 deceased hostages under the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire deal that began on October 10.

There has been anger in Israel that Hamas has not yet returned all the deceased hostages, with the Israeli military stating that the Palestinian armed group is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the hostages. Hamas has claimed it faces challenges finding bodies under rubble in Gaza.

According to the agreement, Israel has also released 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees in exchange for every Israeli hostage's remains. This phase has resulted in increased aid to Gaza, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a cease in fighting, although hostilities flared again on Sunday with accusations from both sides regarding the breach of the deal.

Israel retaliated by targeting Hamas positions after accusing them of an assault that resulted in two soldier fatalities. Hamas claimed ignorance of any clashes happening in that area.

The renewed conflict saw at least 45 Palestinians reported killed in the strikes, according to local hospitals.

Despite the tension, US President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire remains in place, with diplomats actively discussing the situation. The Israel Defense Forces currently controls significant territories within Gaza and has taken measures to mark these regions clearly.

As recent violence continues, with claims that Israeli fire killed three east of Gaza City, both sides remain in a precarious state during these negotiations.