Hamas-Israel Ceasefire Progress: Hostage Remains Exchange Continues Despite Sporadic Violence

Cairo:

Hamas' armed wing announced plans to deliver a hostage's body at 9 pm (1900 GMT) Wednesday, while Israeli forces reported killing two Palestinians who approached their occupied territory in what was described as a "threatening manner".

According to Gaza health officials, Israeli gunfire killed a Palestinian who was collecting firewood. When contacted by Reuters, the Israeli military could not immediately confirm if these incidents were connected.

Despite ongoing intermittent violence, both Israel and Hamas continue to exchange remains as outlined in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement that began on October 10.

Under the agreement terms, Hamas released all 20 living hostages held in Gaza in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israel. Hamas has committed to returning hostages' remains but claims Gaza's destruction has complicated the recovery process, while Israel suggests Hamas is deliberately delaying.

So far, Hamas has returned 21 of the 28 bodies of hostages buried in Gaza. In reciprocation, Israel has transferred 285 bodies of Palestinians killed since the conflict began in October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities.

While Israel continues occasional strikes on the Gaza Strip, violence has significantly decreased since the ceasefire implementation, enabling hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their damaged homes and allowing increased aid deliveries.

Israeli forces have pulled back from urban positions to behind an established yellow demarcation line.

The United States mediated the ceasefire, and both parties have appealed to Washington to address alleged violations.