JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities have confirmed the identification of remains handed over by Hamas as those of three hostages taken in October 2023, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday. The deceased include American-Israeli Captain Omer Neutra, 21, Corporal Oz Daniel, 19, and Colonel Assaf Hamami, 40, the highest-ranking officer killed by the group.
The remains were transferred to Israel through the Red Cross and have been sent to a national forensic centre for investigation into the circumstances and cause of death. Families of the deceased have been briefed on the identification process and will be consulted on the findings.
Read More: Remains handed over to Israel not those of Gaza hostages
The handover comes amid a fragile truce in Gaza, brokered by the United States on October 10, which focuses on returning all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has released surviving hostages and begun handing over the remains of 28 deceased captives.
Hamas stated that the process is slow because many remains are buried beneath rubble caused by Israeli bombardment, and it has requested assistance from mediators and the Red Cross to recover bodies more efficiently. The group said the recent handover demonstrates its ongoing efforts to return the bodies promptly.
Read More: Hamas releases all 20 remaining living hostages as part of Gaza ceasefire
Meanwhile, residents in Gaza are hoping the truce will lead to Israeli military withdrawal and relief from ongoing hardships, although the second phase of the ceasefire plan, including disarmament of Hamas and deployment of an international stabilisation force, is yet to be implemented.