Health authorities in the Gaza Strip told Reuters today that the first bodies of Palestinians killed during the conflict have been returned to the Palestinian territory, after being released by Israel.
However, Israel continues to hold hundreds of bodies of Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023, including fighters who participated in the attack and subsequent clashes. On the other hand, Hamas has so far released 20 hostages alive and handed over the bodies of four others to Israel.
In response to the failure to hand over the bodies of all hostages still being held in Gaza, Israel has announced that it will not open the Rafah crossing tomorrow, as was stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, according to three Israeli officials contacted by Reuters.
Israel will also restrict humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip as part of punitive measures against Hamas.
