(MENAFN) Hamas announced Thursday it will return the remains of two Israeli hostages tonight, according to the ceasefire framework currently in place.

The militant organization's military branch, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed via Telegram that the transfer is scheduled for 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT).

An Israeli state-run broadcaster had reported earlier in the day that Israeli officials were making arrangements to receive the two bodies within hours.

The return follows Israeli airstrikes earlier this week that killed over 100 Palestinians throughout the Gaza Strip, despite the ongoing truce. The strikes occurred Tuesday, two days before the planned handover.

Israeli authorities in Tel Aviv justified the military action as retaliation for a shooting incident in Rafah that resulted in one soldier's death. Hamas has rejected any connection to that attack and affirmed its adherence to ceasefire terms.

Under the current truce agreement's initial phase, Hamas has freed 20 Israeli captives alive and returned the bodies of 17 deceased captives from a total of 28—the majority being Israeli nationals. Israeli officials, however, have disputed one body's identity, claiming it does not match any of their missing citizens.

The cessation of hostilities began October 10 under a 20-point framework brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The agreement's opening stage involves exchanging Israeli hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Subsequent phases outline Gaza's reconstruction and establishing new governance structures excluding Hamas from leadership.

Since October 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 68,500 Palestinian deaths—predominantly women and children—with over 170,600 wounded, according to local health authorities.

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