The IDF confirmed on October 15th, 2025, over the past hour, that two bodies of hostages are en route from Hamas to IDF troops in northern Gaza via Red Cross vehicles. Hamas stated that they have handed over the hostage bodies in their possession and are facing difficulties, requiring specialized equipment to recover the remaining 19 murdered hostages. The Red Cross will deliver the caskets to IDF troops within Gaza for a memorial ceremony led by a military rabbi before transport to Tel Aviv for identification. Israeli officials maintain that Hamas knows the exact locations of the bodies of the remaining detainees. Hamas has not identified the two hostages whose bodies are being returned, according to IDF statements. The organization claims significant efforts are being made to resolve the issue of recovering the remaining bodies. The handover occurs amid ongoing disputes regarding the return of deceased hostages. Previously, Israel confirmed a body returned by Hamas was not an Israeli hostage but a West Bank Palestinian, identified by Palestinian media as Khalil Dawas. Hamas had claimed the body belonged to an Israeli soldier captured in May 2024. Reconnaissance aircraft were reported flying over Mawasi Khan Yunis. In separate incidents mentioned in previous reports, Matan Hamas, a released hostage, allegedly attacked an officer, an accusation Hamas denied. Additionally, reports indicated approximately 20 Hamas operatives were arrested near the European hospital area in Gaza with SIM cards, and three observers were also detained.
