Red Cross: Israel returns 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza

Israel has transferred the bodies of 30 Palestinians to the Gaza Strip, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed.

Vehicles, including refrigerated trucks, operated by the Red Cross were seen leaving the Kissufim crossing, east of Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, to collect the remains held in Israeli custody, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

“The ICRC has transferred the bodies of 30 Palestinians to the Gaza Strip,” a senior Red Cross official said.

The handover corresponds to the formula of one hostage returned for 15 Palestinian bodies, as outlined in the US-brokered ceasefire deal. Hamas returned two slain captives last night under this agreement.

“There are currently no plans for a further handover of hostage bodies,” the official added, “but it is all under discussion.”

By October 13, Hamas released all 20 surviving hostages in two groups (seven on October 12 and 13 on October 13), who were transported to Israel for medical checks and family reunions. In parallel, Israel released over 1,800 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The handover of deceased remains has been slower and more contentious. Hamas has returned the bodies of at least nine slain hostages so far:

• Four on October 13: Guy Iluz (26, from Nova festival), Yossi Sharabi (53, from Kibbutz Be'eri), Daniel Peretz (22, IDF soldier), and Bipin Joshi (23, Nepali worker from Kibbutz Alumim).
• Three more on October 14, including Elkana Bohbot (from Nova festival).
• Two on October 15: Inbar Haiman (last female hostage, from Nahal Oz) and Muhammad el-Atrash (Bedouin Israeli soldier).

Hamas claims it has now returned all accessible bodies but needs "specialist equipment" to recover the remaining 19 amid Gaza's rubble and collapsed tunnels, a process the ICRC describes as a "massive challenge" that could take weeks.

Israel accuses Hamas of violations, threatening to resume operations if the deal falters, while U.S. officials urge patience, believing Hamas intends to comply

By Aghakazim Guliyev