DaysofPal – Efforts to recover the bodies of Israeli captives in Gaza are intensifying, with Hamas and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) coordinating closely in the southern areas of the Strip, particularly around Khan Younis and Rafah.
According to reports from Haaretz, Hamas has informed the ICRC of the location of the body of Israeli captive Amiram Cooper, prompting a retrieval operation in Khan Younis, where heavy machinery has been deployed for the search.
Search operations reportedly expanded last Sunday after international forces joined the mission and Israel allowed the entry of heavy equipment through an Egyptian technical team, which is assisting in excavation efforts.
The searches are taking place in areas no longer under Israeli military control, including Khan Younis and Rafah, outside the so-called “Yellow Line” from which Israeli forces withdrew. An Israeli source told Haaretz that these efforts could soon lead to the recovery of additional bodies, as the work relies on information provided by both Hamas and Israeli authorities regarding possible burial sites.
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said the movement’s forces will move into new zones to locate 13 remaining bodies believed to be buried under the rubble. He emphasized that these actions “will not provide Israel with any pretext to renew the war,” underscoring the group’s intention to uphold the fragile truce.
Palestinians in the area are watching the process closely, hoping it will proceed swiftly so that reconstruction efforts can resume and the Rafah crossing can reopen to facilitate the flow of aid and movement. Many also express cautious optimism that the current ceasefire will hold long enough to allow recovery and rebuilding after months of destruction.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=68808
