News|Israel-Palestine conflictIsrael accused of ‘manoeuvring’ as it says Gaza crossing open one way onlyIsrael says the crucial Rafah crossing with Egypt will open in the coming days – but only for Palestinians to leave Gaza.
Israel has reported the receipt of a captive's body from Gaza through the International Committee of the Red Cross. It plans to allow Palestinians to exit through a border crossing with Egypt; however, re-entry will not be permitted.
Israel has reported the receipt of a captive's body from Gaza through the International Committee of the Red Cross. It plans to allow Palestinians to exit through a border crossing with Egypt; however, re-entry will not be permitted.
The armed wings of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad announced the handover of the body at 5:00 PM (15:00 GMT) on Wednesday, following its recovery in northern Gaza.
The coffin is to be transferred to Israel's Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification. Upon completion, a formal notification will be delivered to the family, according to the Israeli military.
Previously, Israel indicated that remains transferred by Hamas were not linked to any captives still held in Gaza. The handover of remains is part of a U.S.-brokered plan aimed at ending conflict in Gaza. A ceasefire remains in place despite ongoing incidents.
Under ceasefire terms, the Rafah crossing is to be opened for medical evacuations and travel, with more than 16,500 sick and wounded requiring medical care outside Gaza. However, the opening is delayed due to an ongoing dispute between Israel and Egypt.
Israel has reported the receipt of a captive's body from Gaza through the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Israel states that Palestinians cannot return through the crossing until all captive remains are returned. Egypt, controlling the other side, insists on two-way movement.
Since the ceasefire began in early October, 20 living abductees and the remains of 26 others have been returned to Israel. Two bodies remain in Gaza.
Concerns have been raised that Israel's stance may lead to the permanent displacement of Palestinians.
Egypt has rejected claims of a unilateral agreement to open the crossing for outbound movement only. Any agreement requires opening Rafah in both directions, in line with the current ceasefire plan.
Egypt is committed to UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which supports a ceasefire plan. All crossings should be opened, with Egypt cooperating with the EU and Palestinian Authority on operating these posts when feasible.
Israel is perceived to be exercising control over who can exit, including medical cases, while preventing registered Palestinians from returning to Gaza.
Gaza's Health Ministry reports that 357 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the first 50 days of the truce. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides since October 2023.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
