Tel aviv: Israel announced that it has received the bodies of two additional Israeli hostages handed over by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza. This transfer is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the receipt of the two coffins by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet forces inside the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military further stated that the remains are en route to IDF and ISA forces.

Hamas had earlier confirmed its intention to transfer the remains of two Israeli captives as part of the new ceasefire agreement. This handover was scheduled for Wednesday night at 10 pm local time (1900GMT).

The ceasefire agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, is part of a phased plan initiated on September 29. This plan aims to establish peace in Gaza by exchanging all Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners and facilitating the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Last week marked the beginning of the first phase of this deal.

As part of the initial phase, Hamas released 20 living Israeli hostages and handed over the remains of 10 captives in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase of the plan involves creating a new governing body in Gaza without Hamas, forming a multinational force, and disarming Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli assaults have resulted in the deaths of nearly 68,000 Palestinians in the Gaza enclave, with most casualties being women and children, leaving the area largely uninhabitable.