Gaza: The Palestinian group Hamas announced on Friday its intention to hand over the body of another Israeli hostage as part of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. This transfer is coordinated with the group's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and Palestinian group Islamic Jihad. The remains were discovered under the rubble in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, and the transfer is scheduled for 9 pm local time (1900GMT).

According to Anadolu Agency, Hamas has already released 20 Israeli captives alive and handed over the remains of 23 out of 28, with most being Israelis, since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. However, Israel has disputed the identity of one of the received bodies, claiming it did not match any listed captives.

The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas are tied to the handover of all hostage remains. Hamas has emphasized that the process requires time due to the extensive destruction in Gaza. The first phase of the ceasefire deal includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of nearly 69,000 people, predominantly women and children, and injuries to over 170,600 individuals.