Three Red Cross vehicles were seen arriving at a sealed site in Gaza City to collect the remains of Israeli hostages, marking another somber chapter in the ongoing ceasefire process.

According to reports, Hamas handed over four caskets to the Red Cross in northern Gaza, allegedly containing the bodies of hostages killed since the October 7, 2023, attacks. This follows the return of four additional bodies yesterday, bringing the total number of recovered remains to eight. Officials believe at least twenty hostages still remain in Hamas custody.

Negotiators have stated that Phase Two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement — focused on reconstruction and rebuilding — cannot begin until all hostages are accounted for. However, intelligence sources and mediators suggest that Hamas may no longer know the whereabouts of all the missing individuals, complicating the process.

The Red Cross continues to play a key role in coordinating the transfer of remains and facilitating humanitarian efforts between both sides. International observers have urged continued dialogue to ensure closure for the victims’ families and progress toward implementing the next stage of the ceasefire.