BREAKING NEWS: Hamas has just announced it will hand over the body of a hostage today, December 3, 2025, as Israel prepares to open the Rafah Crossing in the coming days for Palestinians seeking medical care. This pivotal development marks a crucial step in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been ravaged by conflict for the past two years.
The transfer of the remains is part of the broader negotiations tied to US President Donald Trump’s plan to end hostilities in the region. The Rafah Crossing, the only gateway into Egypt, has been largely closed since the ceasefire began in October. Israeli authorities confirmed that the crossing will open exclusively for medical evacuations, allowing residents access to necessary treatment outside the war-torn enclave.
Hamas has returned all 20 living hostages and 26 bodies to Israel, yet two more deceased captives—Israeli police officer Ran Gvili and Thai agricultural worker Sudthisak Rinthalak—remain in Gaza. The group announced it would hand over the remains at 5 PM local time today, although it has not specified which of the two deceased hostages it will return.
The Red Cross is facilitating the handover, with reports indicating that they discovered the body during a search operation in northern Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the remains recently examined were not linked to any of the deceased hostages, emphasizing ongoing forensic investigations.
The Rafah Crossing’s impending opening has been coordinated with Egypt and will be monitored by a European Union mission, a process reminiscent of previous ceasefire agreements. Nonetheless, recent reports indicate that there is currently no coordination between Egypt and Israel regarding the immediate reopening of the crossing.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the United Nations states that at least 16,500 patients in Gaza require urgent medical treatment outside the enclave. The Rafah Crossing is crucial for these individuals, as it serves as their primary exit point to receive necessary care.
Despite a reduction in violence since the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Since October 10, over 350 Palestinians have lost their lives amid ongoing strikes, while Israeli authorities report that three of their soldiers were killed during this period.
The situation remains fluid, and ongoing negotiations will be vital in shaping the next steps for both the hostages and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As developments unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the suffering experienced by countless civilians.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story develops.
