Israeli authorities begin identification process as part of US-brokered Gaza ceasefire agreement; tensions remain high amid ongoing violence.

Israel has received a set of human remains believed to belong to an Israeli captive held in Gaza, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The handover, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is part of a broader US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Identification Process Underway

The remains were transported to Tel Aviv’s National Centre of Forensic Medicine to determine whether they belong to one of the three remaining deceased captives in Gaza. Upon completion of the forensic identification, formal notification will be delivered to the family, the statement said.

This transfer forms part of a deal implemented on October 10, 2025, under which Hamas returned the bodies of 25 captives to Israel, while Israel reciprocated by releasing the remains of 330 Palestinians to Gaza authorities.

Ceasefire Agreement and Ongoing Tensions

The US-brokered ceasefire, aimed at halting Israel’s extensive military operations in Gaza, continues amid intermittent violations. Israel has reportedly breached the truce at least 497 times since it took effect, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office, with civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—bearing the brunt of attacks.

On the same day as the handover, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported the deaths of three Palestinians east of Khan Younis and the recovery of 14 bodies from rubble. Later, Israel’s military reported killing five Hamas fighters in Rafah and another who approached troops in northern Gaza.

In addition to ceasefire violations, Israel continues to restrict the flow of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza, complicating humanitarian efforts and post-war recovery.

Regional Efforts to Consolidate Ceasefire

Egypt has hosted follow-up meetings with mediators and guarantors of the ceasefire, including representatives from Qatar and Turkey, to discuss the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza’s post-war governance. The plan envisions a transitional governing authority and a multinational security force to stabilize the enclave.

Indonesia has announced readiness to deploy 20,000 peacekeepers as part of the multinational force, pending formal orders from President Prabowo Subianto.

Hamas officials, led by Khalil al-Hayya, have engaged in discussions with Egyptian authorities to coordinate the next steps of the plan, addressing challenges such as ongoing ceasefire violations and humanitarian concerns.