Hamas Intensifies Search for Hostage Remains as Egypt Joins Efforts

Hamas has broadened its search for the remains of hostages within the Gaza Strip, following the deployment of an Egyptian team equipped with heavy machinery to assist in the recovery efforts. This development occurred on Sunday, shortly after Egypt sent experts and equipment, including excavators and bulldozers, to aid in the recovery of bodies. The initiative aims to support a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States on October 10, 2023, under which Hamas is expected to return the remains of Israeli hostages promptly.

According to Hamas, the group is actively searching new areas for the remains of 13 hostages whose bodies are still believed to be in Gaza. Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s chief in Gaza and chief negotiator, stated in comments shared with the media that the ongoing search has faced significant challenges due to extensive destruction in the area, which has buried some remains deep underground.

In an effort to facilitate the return of hostages, Israel has agreed to return 15 bodies of Palestinians for each Israeli body received. As of now, Israel has repatriated the remains of 195 Palestinians, while Hamas has returned 18 bodies of hostages. Despite this exchange, there have been no reported releases in the past five days.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the pace of these recoveries, stating on Saturday that he is “watching very closely” to ensure that more bodies are returned within the next 48 hours. He acknowledged that while some remains are difficult to access, there are others that could be returned immediately.

The fragile ceasefire has been further challenged by violence in the region. On Saturday night, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in the central Nuseirat refugee camp, marking their second operation in the area within a week. According to Awda Hospital, which treated the wounded, the strikes injured four individuals. The Israeli military claimed that the operation targeted militants associated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who they alleged were planning to attack Israeli troops. However, the Islamic Jihad group has denied these accusations.

Hamas condemned the strikes as a “clear violation” of the ceasefire agreement and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining Trump’s diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation. The recent military actions echo previous escalations; on October 19, Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 36 Palestinians, including women and children, according to health authorities in Gaza.

The situation remains tense as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel shortly before these latest developments. Rubio indicated that the United States, along with Israel and other mediators, is sharing intelligence to prevent potential threats, helping to identify an impending attack last weekend. Around 200 U.S. troops are collaborating with the Israeli military and delegations from other nations at a coordination center aimed at overseeing the ceasefire and planning for the reconstruction of Gaza.

The ongoing efforts highlight the complexities of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the difficulties faced by international mediators in maintaining peace amidst escalating violence.