Israel Gets 2 More Hostage Bodies from Hamas Ceasefire Deal

By Manisha Sahu | America News World
October 22, 2025

In a significant development under the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military has received the remains of two more hostages. This brings the total number of deceased hostages returned to Israel to 15 out of 28, as part of the first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.

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Handover of Remains

On Tuesday night, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of two coffins from Gaza to Israel. The bodies were handed over by Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and were subsequently escorted across the border for formal identification at Israel’s National Institute for Forensic Medicine .

Identification of the Deceased

Israeli authorities have identified one of the deceased as Aryeh Zalmanovich, an 85-year-old resident of the Nir Oz kibbutz. He was abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks and is believed to have been killed while in Hamas captivity . The identity of the second individual has not been publicly disclosed at the family’s request.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

The ceasefire agreement, initiated under the U.S.-brokered Operation Shavim Legvulam, involves multiple phases. Under the current phase, Israel has released 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza. In return, Hamas has committed to handing over the remains of 28 deceased hostages. While 15 bodies have been returned, 13 remain unaccounted for.

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Challenges in Recovery

The recovery of the remaining hostages’ bodies faces significant challenges due to the extensive damage in Gaza. Hamas has reported difficulties in locating and retrieving the bodies, citing the lack of heavy equipment and the ongoing Israeli military presence in certain areas as obstacles .

International Involvement

The United States, along with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has been actively involved in mediating the ceasefire and hostage recovery efforts. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during his recent visit to Israel, expressed optimism about the ceasefire’s durability but acknowledged that the complete return of hostages’ remains would take time .

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Ongoing Efforts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to recovering all hostages, both living and deceased. The Israeli Defense Forces continue to work closely with international partners to facilitate the safe return of the remaining hostages’ bodies.

As the ceasefire continues, both Israel and Hamas face the complex task of adhering to the terms of the agreement while addressing the humanitarian challenges in Gaza. The international community remains engaged, monitoring the situation closely and offering support to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages.

*For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to America News World.*