In a solemn moment on Friday, Israel received the body of an Israeli hostage from Gaza via the Red Cross, marking another chapter in the deepening humanitarian crisis in the enclave. Escorted by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops, the coffin was transferred to Tel Aviv's National Institute for Forensic Medicine for official identification.
Under the ceasefire that began on October 10, Hamas has handed over the remains of 22 hostages. Yet, five Israeli and one Thai body remains in Gaza. The IDF said, 'Hamas is required to uphold the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages.'
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem acknowledged ongoing efforts to complete the handover despite 'major challenges and complications.' The latest return, the group said, took place in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where border crossings and volatile security conditions make each transfer a logistical and political milestone.
Quick Facts:
- 22 hostage remains returned since Oct. 10 ceasefire
- 6 bodies still held in Gaza
- Over 68,000 reported killed in Gaza
Türkiye's Arrest Warrant Shakes Diplomatic Waters
On the diplomatic front, Türkiye has thrown a curveball into the Israel–Gaza equation. Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor issued arrest warrants for 37 individuals—among them Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity.
The warrant follows an investigation triggered by complaints from civilians and members of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid mission intercepted by Israeli naval forces. Türkiye, a guarantor of the ceasefire pact, argues Israel's operations in Gaza amount to 'systematic' attacks on civilians.
Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, dismissed the move as a 'PR stunt' by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Still, the warrants underscore growing international tensions over the Gaza conflict, which began after Hamas's October 2023 assault that Israel says killed about 1,200 people. Palestinian authorities report more than 68,000 deaths in Gaza and widespread destruction.
As the region grapples with the fallout, the return of each hostage's remains and the evolving legal battles in international courts serve as powerful reminders of a conflict that demands urgent humanitarian and diplomatic solutions.
Reference(s):
Israel receives hostage body; Türkiye issues warrant for Netanyahu
cgtn.com
