Hamas handed over the bodies of three hostages to Israeli forces on Sunday, highlighting growing tensions despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that has largely paused the two-year war in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the Red Cross transferred the coffins, which are being sent to Israel for identification. The bodies are believed to be among the 11 Israeli hostages whose remains were agreed to be returned under the truce terms.
The ceasefire, effective since October 10, has allowed limited calm and humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. However, disputes over implementation persist. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of hostages, while Hamas claims it is fulfilling commitments amid difficult conditions. Under the agreement, Hamas pledged to return the remains of 28 deceased hostages in exchange for 360 Palestinian militants’ bodies; 17 had been delivered prior to Sunday.
Despite reduced hostilities, violence has not completely stopped. An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed one man in Gaza City’s Shejaia neighborhood. Israeli forces said the target was a militant posing a threat. Gaza’s health ministry reported that 236 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, nearly half in a single day of Israeli retaliation. Israel confirmed the deaths of three soldiers during this period.
Hamas released a statement accusing Israel of multiple ceasefire violations, while Israel claimed ongoing operations to eliminate “Hamas pockets” in controlled areas. Both sides have called on the United States to ensure compliance with the agreement.
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine met with Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir over the weekend to discuss ceasefire monitoring. Around 200 U.S. troops are stationed in southern Israel to oversee the truce and prepare for an international stabilization force, part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Yet, progress remains slow, with key issues such as Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal unresolved.