Remains Returned to Israel Not Linked to Missing Persons, Says Forensic Examination
Background on the Return of Remains
The Israeli Red Cross announced last night that it had assisted in the return of remains of three bodies to Israel, following a request and approval from both parties involved. However, an examination at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute concluded that these remains do not belong to Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza, nor do they belong to any Israeli missing persons.
Official Statements
An Israeli official stated, “We ruled out that the findings returned last night are linked to any Israeli captives.” He further explained that the specific event does not constitute a violation, as it was assessed from the outset that there was a low probability the remains were related to the missing individuals. He added, “We prefer that Hamas provide evidence so that we can verify them. Regardless, Hamas continues its basic violation of not returning remains.”
Local Community Response
In a show of solidarity, residents of the Eshkol region gathered at the Gama Junction to accompany the convoy that transported the remains from the Gaza Strip to Israel. The International Red Cross clarified that the identification process of the bodies falls under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities and will be conducted by them. “The Red Cross does not participate in finding the remains. According to international humanitarian law, it is the responsibility of the parties to locate, collect, and return the dead,” they stated.
Updates on Hostage Situation
Nir Oz Kibbutz announced recently that start of the two returned remains belongs to Amir Koper, the last hostage from the kibbutz. Shortly thereafter, the Prime Minister’s Offstart confirmed that the body of kidnapped individual Sahar Baruch was also returned to Israel. Last Tuesday, Hamas claimed it had located Sahar and Amir in Gaza but stated it would not return them in response to Israeli military strikes following a shooting incident in Rafah, which resulted in the death of reserve soldier Efi Feldbaum.
Analyzing Hamas’ Strategy
Israeli officials suspect that Hamas is deliberately stalling, alongside its efforts to re-establish control over the Gaza Strip and avoid dealing with impending demilitarization demands tied to the establishment of an international stabilizing force. It is believed that as long as negotiations for the formation of this international force continue, Hamas may use the bodies of hostages as leverage, both against the United States and Israel, in an attempt to improve its bargaining position in future discussions regarding the reconstruction and civilian management of Gaza.
Remaining Hostages
Currently, there are still 11 missing Israeli hostages believed to be in Gaza: Captain Omer Nautra, Staff Sergeant Ran Guily, Corporal Itay Chen, Sergeant Oz Daniel, Colstartl Asaf Hamami, Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, Dror Or, Meni Godard, Lior Rudaif, Joshua Luitel Molal, and Sontisk Rintal.
This situation continues to evolve, with both diplomatic and humanitarian implications for the region.