Israel returns 30 bodies after receiving two hostage remains

Nasser Hospital, which, like all medical sites in Gaza, served as a Hamas military hub, said it received the bodies through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

By JNS

Israel returned the bodies of 30 Gazans on Friday after Hamas handed over the bodies of two Israeli hostages on Wednesday.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, which, like all medical, educational and civilian sites in Gaza, served as a Hamas military hub, said it received the bodies through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The exchange is the latest indication that the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal is advancing. The Israeli military said on Wednesday that the National Institute of Forensic Medicine had identified the returned remains of the two Israelis as Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch and notified relatives that the bodies were returned for burial.

Cooper, who Hamas terrorists kidnapped alive from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where he lived, on Oct. 7, 2023, was killed in captivity at age 84. He leaves behind a wife, four children and 11 grandchildren, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Baruch was abducted alive from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7, 2023. Hamas terrorists killed him in captivity on Dec. 8, 2023. He was 25. Baruch leaves behind parents and two brothers, the Israeli military said.

“The IDF expresses deep condolences to the families, continues to make every effort to return all the deceased hostages and is prepared for the continued implementation of the agreement,” it said.

“Hamas is required to fulfill its part of the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the hostages to their families and to a dignified burial,” it added.