The United States has downplayed concerns over the Gaza ceasefire after Hamas said it needs more time to locate the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages, following the first phase of the Gaza peace plan.
Under the agreement, Hamas was required to return 20 living hostages and the bodies of 28 others. While the living hostages have been returned, only nine bodies have been handed over so far. Hamas stated that specialist equipment is needed to locate the rest.
On Wednesday evening, senior US advisers described conversations with mediators as “positive,” noting that Hamas intends to honour the deal. Two bodies handed over last night were identified by Israel this morning as sergeant-major Muhammad al-Atarash, 39, and Inbar Hayman, 27.
Meanwhile, Israel said preparations are “ongoing” to open the Rafah crossing for the movement of people from Gaza, but stressed that humanitarian aid will continue to enter only through other checkpoints. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military body responsible for aid, said that the date for opening Rafah for people will be announced later.
COGAT reiterated that “humanitarian aid will not pass through the Rafah crossing. This was never agreed upon at any stage.” Aid continues to flow into Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing and other checkpoints following Israeli security inspections, in full compliance with the signed agreement.
Erizia Rubyjeana