Negotiations have commenced on the next stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement as both Israel and Hamas participate in a sensitive exchange of remains, despite ongoing accusations of violations from both sides.
Remains Exchange Underway
Israel has transferred 15 Palestinian bodies back to Gaza in return for the remains of an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. The Israeli military confirmed they had identified the latest returned remains as those of Dror Or, who they say was killed by militants during the October 7th attacks.
According to the established exchange arrangement, Israel has agreed to return 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage recovered. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that with this latest transfer, a total of 345 Palestinian bodies have been returned to Gaza since the exchanges began last month.
Ongoing Negotiations in Cairo
Turkish, Qatari and Egyptian officials gathered in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The talks focus on deploying an international stabilisation force and establishing a governing body for Gaza that would oversee reconstruction efforts across the devastated territory.
Hamas stated on Wednesday that they remain committed to upholding their side of the agreement and intend to return the two remaining hostages - one Israeli and one Thai national - still held in Gaza.
Human Cost of the Conflict
The personal tragedy behind the conflict was highlighted by the story of Dror Or and his wife Yonat, both killed when militants overran their community of Kibbutz Be'eri. Two of their children were abducted during the same attack but were later released in a hostage deal in November 2023, according to the Hostages Families Forum.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 69,775 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive in Gaza, though they note this figure doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants. Meanwhile, Palestinian militants killed approximately 1,200 people across southern Israel and abducted 251 to Gaza in their October 7th attack that initiated the current conflict.
Since the ceasefire took effect on 11 October, 345 Palestinians had been killed as of Tuesday, according to the same health authority.
Challenges Ahead
Significant questions remain about nearly every aspect of the ceasefire plan and its implementation timeline. The proposed armed international stabilisation force faces the complex task of maintaining security while ensuring the disarmament of Hamas, a key Israeli demand.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation remains dire with nearly all Palestinians displaced and dependent on aid, Hamas retaining significant control over nearly half of Gaza, and reconstruction efforts having barely begun.
The fragility of the current truce was underscored on Wednesday when a Palestinian man was killed after Israeli troops opened fire on a group of people east of the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, according to the Aqsa Martyrs hospital.
