The IDF confirmed on October 15th, 2025, that two bodies of hostages are en route from Hamas to IDF troops in northern Gaza via Red Cross vehicles. This handover occurs as Hamas claims difficulties in recovering the remaining bodies of hostages it holds, citing the need for specialized equipment. Hamas stated in a declaration that they have adhered to agreements by releasing all living hostages and bodies they could access, while emphasizing significant efforts are being made to retrieve the others. According to the IDF, the Red Cross will deliver the caskets to IDF troops within Gaza, where a brief memorial ceremony will be conducted by a military rabbi. Subsequently, the bodies will be transported to the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv for formal identification. Hamas has not identified the two hostages whose bodies are being returned. The organization is reportedly still holding the bodies of 21 deceased hostages. Hamas insists it has complied with the Gaza ceasefire agreement, asserting that the recovery of the remaining bodies requires substantial effort and specialized equipment. This statement comes amidst ongoing disputes and challenges related to the return of deceased hostages, with Israeli officials previously stating that Hamas knows the locations of the remaining detainees' bodies.
