The remains of the tenth hostage returned by Hamas have been identified as 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, who was abducted on October 7, 2023. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office announced that his body was identified following testing at the National Center for Forensic Medicine, and his family has been notified of the development.
The retrieval of remains has been complicated by extensive devastation in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has left many areas difficult to access. Although Hamas recently handed over an eleventh body, it did not belong to a hostage. The ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced in the search for the remaining 18 hostages still unaccounted for.
In a statement released on Saturday, the hostage forum, an organization supporting the families of those abducted, expressed that while Mr. Margalit’s return offers some solace, the fight continues until all hostages are brought home. The forum announced plans to hold weekly rallies to advocate for the remaining hostages.
Efforts to Recover Hostage Remains
Israeli authorities have confirmed they have received nine out of 28 bodies held in Gaza. Hamas has requested heavy machinery to assist in locating bodies believed to be buried under rubble. The urgency of the situation has escalated following warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated he would support Israel in resuming military action if Hamas fails to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement regarding the return of hostages.
The return of remains has emerged as a critical issue within the broader ceasefire negotiations. Alongside the recovery of bodies, discussions also focus on humanitarian aid, the opening of border crossings, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire terms, including the return of bodies, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 2 million people affected. The flow of aid has been limited due to the continued closure of crossings and restrictions on aid organizations. According to United Nations data, 339 trucks have been delivered for distribution in Gaza since the ceasefire began, far below the 600 trucks that are permitted daily under the agreement.
On the ground, the International Association of Genocide Scholars has called for signatories to the genocide convention, including Australia, to prevent arms sales to Israel and uphold international law. Reports indicate that famine has been declared in Gaza City, with the UN confirming over 400 deaths attributed to malnutrition, including more than 100 children.
The ongoing conflict has reportedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 68,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry associated with the Hamas-run government. This figure is viewed as a reliable estimate by UN agencies and many independent experts, although Israel disputes these claims without providing its own statistics. Thousands more individuals remain missing, as reported by the Red Cross.
The circumstances surrounding the hostage situation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict, with many eyes turning to international mediators for support.
