Gaza’s Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis received 15 Palestinian bodies on Wednesday under the US-brokered ceasefire exchange deal. The hospital said this marked the tenth batch, bringing the total returned to 285 since the agreement began. Families of the deceased have started receiving the bodies for burial, highlighting the emotional toll on communities in Gaza.
The exchange follows Israel receiving the body of Israeli-American soldier Itay Chen from Gaza on Tuesday. Under the deal, Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies for every Israeli body received, maintaining a structured swap process aimed at easing tensions and fostering dialogue.
At the start of the truce on October 10, Hamas held 48 hostages—20 alive and 28 deceased. Hamas has since released all surviving captives and handed over 21 deceased bodies. The deal has allowed families on both sides some closure while maintaining the fragile ceasefire.
Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the return of deceased hostages, while Hamas says many are still buried under rubble in Gaza, slowing recovery efforts. The Palestinian group has repeatedly called on mediators and the Red Cross to provide necessary equipment and personnel to safely recover the remaining bodies.
The body exchanges underscore ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic efforts amid the fragile ceasefire. Observers warn that delays and logistical challenges may strain trust between the parties and complicate future negotiations, but the process remains a critical symbol of cooperation and restraint in the conflict.