By Habiba Hamisi, 3rd December 2025
The Palestinian militant group Hamas has handed over the remains of one of the last two deceased hostages still in Gaza, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed on December 2, 2025. This handover is part of the humanitarian provisions outlined in the ceasefire deal reached in October between Hamas and Israel.
Israeli authorities said that the remains were received by their forces in Gaza and would be transported to Israel for further forensic examination. The examination will help determine the identities and circumstances surrounding the deaths of the hostages, providing some measure of closure for the families involved.
The ICRC, which facilitated the transfer, emphasized the importance of ensuring the bodies were handled with dignity and respect. The organization has been playing a critical role in managing humanitarian aspects of the conflict, including the transfer of casualties and ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law.
The handover comes amid ongoing tensions in Gaza, where the civilian population continues to face the consequences of conflict, including displacement, damage to infrastructure, and restricted access to essential services. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly called for measures to protect civilians and maintain humanitarian corridors to allow safe movement and aid delivery.
While only one of the two remaining hostage bodies has been returned so far, officials hope that the second will be handed over soon under similar arrangements. The process underscores the fragile and complex nature of ceasefire agreements in conflict zones, highlighting the role of neutral organizations like the Red Cross in facilitating humanitarian actions.
This development also marks a small but significant step in implementing the broader provisions of the ceasefire, which aimed not only at halting hostilities but also at addressing the humanitarian needs and rights of those affected by the conflict.
