Following a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, Egyptian and Red Cross teams have been authorized by Israeli authorities to commence the search for the bodies of Israeli hostages. These efforts are permitted to extend beyond the designated “yellow line” within areas currently under Israeli military control in Gaza.
This development comes as Hamas has begun transferring the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages, as stipulated in the initial phase of the ceasefire deal. The group is reportedly coordinating these transfers with Egyptian officials.
The involvement of Egyptian teams in this sensitive operation marks a new phase, particularly given the extensive destruction in Gaza due to prolonged conflict. Hamas has cited difficulties in locating and retrieving bodies amidst the rubble.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been instrumental in previous hostage and body transfers, acting as a neutral intermediary. However, the deployment of Egyptian excavation teams signifies a broader international effort.
The news is anticipated to bring some measure of relief to the families of the hostages, who have been anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones’ remains for appropriate mourning and burial.