(MENAFN- Khaama Press) Israel received three bodies of hostages from Gaza via the Red Cross under a fragile ceasefire deal requiring reciprocal return of Palestinian prisoners' remains.

Israel announced that three bodies of Israeli captives killed during the Gaza war were handed over via the International Committee of the Red Cross after being retrieved from the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Under the cease-fire deal, Israel is obligated to return the remains of 45 Palestinian prisoners killed in the conflict, while demanding the full repatriation of its own hostages.

Israeli media reported that forensic testing determined the remains were not those of recognized hostages, raising questions about compliance and trust in the exchange process.

Earlier in the month, Israel accused Hamas of delivering the wrong remains and warned it would suspend aid unless the agreement was honoured.

The handover takes place amid renewed Israeli operations in northern Gaza and a slowdown of humanitarian aid entering the enclave, adding to concerns about collapse of the cease-fire.

The exchange illustrates both the humanitarian and strategic stakes for both sides, underlining how hostage affairs and body returns remain central to the Gaza conflict's diplomatic front.

Observers warn the impasse over accurate identification and full fulfilment of the deal threatens to derail the cease-fire, potentially triggering a resumption of broader hostilities.

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