Israel receives four bodies from deceased hostages from Gaza; Hamas to hand over another 24

The remains of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were handed over to the Red Cross and returned to Israel on Monday (October 13), the Israeli army confirmed. The bodies arrived in four chests at the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, where identification procedures are performed. “The handing over of the bodies was part of the ceasefire agreement mediated by US President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas,” the military said. Hamas is expected to return another 24 deceased hostages as part of the first phase of the ceasefire. “Hamas must maintain the agreement and take the necessary steps to return all the deceased hostages,” the army added. This is the first phase of the ceasefire designed by US President Donald Trump, to earlier trucks in which 141 hostages, including eight died, were returned in November 2023 and early 2025. For Israelites, the release brought a wave of relief and celebration. Hamas held no ceremonies for the hostages, but families a first look at video calls of masked militants. Prisoner releases the release of almost 2000 Palestinian prisoners released in Gaza and the West Bank. Advanced detainees were greeted with cheering, and many flashed victories when they returned to their communities. The prisoners contain 250 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis and 1,700 without charge. Palestinian society sees them widely as freedom fighters. Trump comes a ceasefire as a milestone for peace that Trump visited Israel and Egypt to celebrate the agreement and encourage broader peace in the region. He addressed Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset and demanded the translation of military victories in long -term peace. “Israel, with our help, has everything they can win by force. Now it’s time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield in the ultimate price of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East,” Trump said. Important challenges ahead of optimism, many critical issues remain unresolved. Israel insists on Hamas disarmament, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal from Israeli forces from Gaza. Gaza’s management is also unclear, with US plans proposing an international body supervising Palestinian technocrats, along with ultimate participation of the Palestinian authority. Troops remain in Gaza’s key areas, with about 200 US forces monitoring the ceasefire. The potential establishment of a Palestinian state remains a point for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.