Hamas has transferred the remains of another Israeli captive from the Gaza Strip, highlighting ongoing challenges in locating and retrieving bodies trapped under rubble following Israeli airstrikes. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, confirmed the handover late Friday, emphasizing the need for international assistance and heavy machinery to continue recovery efforts.

Details of the Handover

The remains were handed over at 11 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT) and are believed to belong to an Israeli captive held since the October 7, 2023, attacks. The Red Cross facilitated the transfer, and Israel confirmed receipt of the coffin, which will be taken to the Ministry of Health’s National Center for Forensic Medicine for formal identification. Families of the deceased will be notified after official confirmation.

The Israeli military requested the public exercise sensitivity and patience during the identification process, stressing that Hamas must comply with agreements to return all remaining deceased hostages.

Remaining Captives and Recovery Efforts

Hamas stated that 18 bodies are still trapped under Gaza’s rubble, many in tunnels or buildings destroyed during Israeli strikes. The group has repeatedly requested heavy machinery, search teams, and international mediation to assist in recovering the deceased.

Al Jazeera’s Hamda Salhut reported from Amman:

“Hamas says that they’re waiting for the assistance they need in the form of heavy machinery and teams on the ground.”

Most heavy equipment in Gaza was destroyed during the conflict, severely limiting recovery capabilities. On Friday, two bulldozers were deployed in Hamad City, a residential complex in Khan Younis, to retrieve bodies from collapsed apartment towers.

International Involvement and Aid Access

Hamas accused Israel of obstructing international assistance, citing delayed entry of foreign experts and machinery into Gaza. Turkey, for example, offered 81 specialists to assist in body recovery, but Israel reportedly blocked their deployment, along with equipment needed to clear debris safely.

The ongoing retrieval operations coincide with Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Gaza civil defense reports that over 10,000 Palestinians remain trapped under rubble, with only 280 bodies recovered so far. Hamas has appealed for increased aid deliveries and the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to facilitate both humanitarian support and reconstruction efforts.

Political Context and Warnings

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Hamas that failure to comply with the ceasefire and return all 28 captive bodies could prompt Israel to resume military operations in Gaza. In recent days, Hamas has returned nine captives’ remains, along with a 10th body that Israel asserts was not a captive.

The handover and ongoing recovery efforts highlight the delicate balance of ceasefire compliance, international mediation, and the pressing humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Gaza, which remains partially inaccessible due to ongoing attacks in some areas.