Israel Permits International Teams to Search for Deceased Hostages in Gaza
A convoy of trucks and construction equipment from Egypt, along with Red Cross and Hamas representatives, has been granted access into Gaza by the Israeli government. The mission is to assist in the search for the bodies of Israeli hostages, according to multiple reports.
Background and Context
The Israeli government announced on Sunday, 26th October, that it has authorized Red Cross and Egyptian teams to enter Gaza and search for the bodies of hostages who died beyond the 'yellow line', which marks the Israeli military retreat in the Gaza Strip12. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally approved the entry3.
Key Developments
The Red Cross has partnered with Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, in the search operation4. Additionally, Egyptian teams are set to engage in mine clearing operations5. The mission extends beyond the so-called yellow line
in the area controlled by its forces in Gaza6.
Israeli government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian, stated that an Egyptian technical team was 'authorized to enter beyond the yellow line', which demarcates the area controlled by Israel in Gaza, 'to search for our hostages'7.
Contrasting Perspectives
Despite the ongoing search, there are contrasting views on the location of the hostages' bodies. The chief negotiator of Hamas, Jalil al Haya, stated that the terrorist group will enter new areas of the Gaza Strip to search for bodies still buried under the rubble, to 'not give Israel a pretext to resume the war'8. On the other hand, Bedrosian insisted that 'Hamas knows where the hostages are, and Israel is aware that they know these locations'8.
Implications and Reactions
The search operation comes amid international pressure, with President Donald Trump giving Hamas a 48-hour deadline to return all deceased hostages or 'other countries will take action'9. Trump's statement followed a meeting between the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee with the families of two U.S. citizens killed in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks9.
Current Status
The search operation is ongoing, with international teams actively working in the Gaza Strip. The remains of 13 deceased hostages have yet to be returned by Hamas9. Meanwhile, freed hostage Avinatan Or has been released from the hospital and expressed hope that the nation can remain united10.