Remains of four more hostages handed over by Hamas arrive in Israel

The remains of four additional Israeli hostages arrived at the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening. These remains were transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza. This action follows Israel's warning to reduce aid to the enclave due to delays in the release of deceased hostages.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced that one of the four bodies released on Monday was not of an Israeli held in Gaza. So far, three identified hostages' remains have been confirmed returned, with the four arrived on Tuesday pending confirmation.

Hamas faces pressure to expedite the return of the remaining 21 bodies. Both the militant group and the Red Cross have cited challenges in locating these remains, exacerbated by the extensive destruction in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive. Additionally, some remains are reportedly in areas under Israeli troop control.

It remains uncertain whether the Israeli military agency will proceed with its threat to limit aid to 300 trucks daily, half of the agreed number. The US-proposed ceasefire plan stipulated that all hostages, both living and deceased, should be handed over within 72 hours, corresponding to Monday.

In cases of non-compliance, the plan requires Hamas to provide information on deceased hostages and make every effort for their handover. Families of the hostages have expressed disappointment that only four of the 28 bodies were returned by Monday.

Based on reporting by Africanews.