The Israeli government has confirmed that the bodies of three hostages, including a commander in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have been returned to Tel Aviv from Gaza. The victims are Col Asaf Hamami, 40, Capt Omer Neutra, 21, and Staff Sgt Oz Daniel, 19.
Forensic tests conducted on the remains confirmed that they belonged to these three Israeli soldiers. However, eight dead Israeli and foreign hostages remain in Gaza, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
The return of the bodies comes amid a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has been in effect for over three weeks. The agreement calls for the return of all living hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours.
Critics argue that the Israeli military has repeatedly violated this agreement since it took effect on October 10th. For example, an air strike in northern Gaza killed a man, according to Hamas-run health ministry. However, Israel claims that it had struck a "terrorist" who posed a threat to its troops near the Yellow Line.
The deal initially called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas within three days but later brought forward the deadline to 72 hours.
In exchange for the return of their bodies, Israel has so far released the remains of 225 Palestinians, along with those of two foreign hostages – one Thai and one Nepalese.
The hostages who remain in Gaza include six Israelis, a Tanzanian, and a Thai national. All but one of these individuals were among the 251 people abducted during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 68,800 people, according to the territory's health ministry.
Forensic tests conducted on the remains confirmed that they belonged to these three Israeli soldiers. However, eight dead Israeli and foreign hostages remain in Gaza, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
The return of the bodies comes amid a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has been in effect for over three weeks. The agreement calls for the return of all living hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours.
Critics argue that the Israeli military has repeatedly violated this agreement since it took effect on October 10th. For example, an air strike in northern Gaza killed a man, according to Hamas-run health ministry. However, Israel claims that it had struck a "terrorist" who posed a threat to its troops near the Yellow Line.
The deal initially called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas within three days but later brought forward the deadline to 72 hours.
In exchange for the return of their bodies, Israel has so far released the remains of 225 Palestinians, along with those of two foreign hostages – one Thai and one Nepalese.
The hostages who remain in Gaza include six Israelis, a Tanzanian, and a Thai national. All but one of these individuals were among the 251 people abducted during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 68,800 people, according to the territory's health ministry.
and it was kinda like this situation with israel and gaza... but instead of soldiers being held hostage, there were like, giant robots or something 
. and i know it sounds super messed up, but i was just wondering if those robots could be used to help fix the problems between israel and hamas? 
.
i feel so bad for all those people who are stuck in the middle of this conflict. it's just hard to understand why things can't be solved without, like, a lot of violence and stuff 
.
i know it sounds super random, but i just wanted to share because... i'm hungry now 
. I mean it's always super emotional when it comes to these kinds of situations and it's good that they can finally get some closure. But at the same time, I'm still confused about why Israel hasn't been following through with this ceasefire deal since October 10th? They keep saying their actions are necessary for their troops' safety but honestly it feels like there's always an excuse 
, I hope they get released soon too.
. 72 hours isnt a lot of time, you know? what if they dont get released in time? 