Israel Returns 15 Palestinian Bodies to Gaza as Ceasefire Phase Nears Conclusion

Israel and Hamas Continue Body Exchanges Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Israel has handed over the bodies of 15 Palestinians to Gaza, following a similar gesture by Hamas, which returned the remains of an Israeli hostage. This exchange is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that was established last month. While the initial phase of the agreement is drawing to a close, ongoing violence in Palestinian territories continues to complicate the situation.

Two hostages, one Israeli and one Thai national, remain unaccounted for after being abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. Hamas has reiterated its commitment to returning these individuals despite the challenges posed by the extensive destruction in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the process, particularly after the release of the last remaining hostages on October 13.

Mediators Work on Second Phase of Ceasefire

Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators met in Cairo to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire. This phase is expected to involve the deployment of an armed International Stabilization Force (ISF) to ensure the disarmament of Hamas, a key demand from Israel. Additionally, the plan includes the creation of an international body to govern Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts.

However, significant questions remain about the implementation of this plan. The time frame for the ceasefire's continuation is still unclear, and both sides have made accusations of violations.

Ongoing Military Actions and Casualties

In a separate development, Israel’s military conducted airstrikes and a "broad counterterrorism operation" in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The operation followed the killing of three terrorists involved in attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 345 Palestinian bodies have been returned under the ceasefire agreement. However, it remains unclear whether these bodies were individuals killed in Israel during the October 7 attack, Palestinian detainees who died in Israeli custody, or those taken from Gaza by Israeli troops during the war.

Tragedy and Loss in Kibbutz Be'eri

Israel mourned the return of Dror Or, a victim of the October 7 attack. According to the Hostages Families Forum, Or and his wife, Yonat, were killed by militants who overran their community of Kibbutz Be'eri. Before their deaths, the couple evacuated two of their children, Alma and Noam, through a window. The children were later abducted by militants but released in a hostage deal in November 2023.

Or was remembered as a devoted father and talented cheesemaker who managed the Be'eri dairy for years.

Escalating Violence in Gaza

Israeli troops opened fire on a group of people in central Gaza on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one Palestinian man and injuries to at least two others. The military has not yet provided a detailed statement on the incident.

In another incident, Israeli forces targeted six militants in the southern city of Rafah, killing one. Troops then searched a nearby building, killing three more and apprehending two. Later in the day, two "terrorists" — one affiliated with Islamic Jihad — were killed in separate incidents in southern Gaza.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 69,775 Palestinians have been killed and 170,863 injured in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its figures, though it has stated that women and children make up the majority of those killed.

Unrest in the West Bank

A military operation took place in the governorate of Tubas in the West Bank on Wednesday. Governor Ahmad Al-Asaad described the operation as involving Apache helicopters and military vehicles, effectively cutting off the area. He warned that the operation could be a prelude to annexation.

The IDF stated that the operation was a response to attempts to establish terrorist strongholds and construct terror infrastructure in the region. The unrest in the West Bank has raised concerns that it could undermine the fragile truce in Gaza.

International Involvement in Ceasefire Talks

Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials met in Cairo to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Discussions also focused on intensifying joint efforts with the United States to strengthen the truce.

Indonesia, along with Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Qatar, has been involved in discussions regarding the ISF plan. General Agus Subianto, Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces, confirmed that Indonesia is in the selection phase for the peacekeeping force.

Pope Leo XIV's Upcoming Visit

On Thursday, Pope Leo XIV is set to embark on his first foreign trip, visiting various sites in Turkey before heading to Beirut, Lebanon. Israel recently struck Lebanon's capital, killing Hezbollah's chief of staff, Haytham Tabtabai, and issuing a warning to the Iran-backed militant group not to rearm and rebuild.

This report includes contributions from Frankel in Jerusalem, Magdy in Cairo, Jalal Bwaitel in Tubas, Suzan Fraser in Ankara, and Niniek Karmini in Jakarta.