Overview
- Forensic exams at Israel’s Abu Kabir Institute ruled out any link to Israeli hostages, and the prime minister’s office confirmed the assessment.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the handover and said identification falls to Israeli authorities.
- The transfer came after Israel returned 30 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, completing an exchange that followed militants delivering the remains of two hostages earlier in the week.
- Hamas’ armed wing said it offered samples from unidentified bodies, claimed Israel refused samples in favor of full remains, and said it acted to counter Israeli accusations.
- Families and supporters rallied in Israeli cities calling for the return of all hostages, reflecting rising public pressure on leaders overseeing the exchanges.