Hamas hands over body of hostage

Tel Aviv, Israel (dpa) — The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has handed over the body of what is believed to be another hostage.

The Israeli military stated late Friday that the coffin had been handed over to staff from the International Committee of the Red Cross, who are now on their way to deliver it to the military.

According to the ceasefire agreement, Hamas must hand over a total of 28 bodies. If Israel confirms the identity of the body now transferred, the bodies of 18 hostages would remain in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas claims that it is difficult for them to find the bodies because they are buried under the rubble of bombed buildings and tunnels.

On Monday, the Islamists released the last 20 living hostages. The first phase of the ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes the release and handover of all living and dead hostages.