Israel identifies our bodies of two hostages as main Gaza crossing stays closed

[ad_1] TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel recognized the stays of two hostages Sunday morning after Hamas handed over their our bodies to the Pink Cross the night time earlier than, because the Palestinian group stated talks to launch the second section of ceasefire negotiations have begun.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace stated the our bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural employee killed at Kibbutz Be’eri. Each had been believed to have been killed throughout the Oct. 7 assault and their our bodies had been taken to Gaza. Engel’s spouse, Karina, and two of his three kids had been kidnapped and launched in a ceasefire in November 2023.

In the meantime, Israel threatened to maintain the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed “till additional discover.” The assertion by Netanyahu’s workplace stated reopening Rafah would depend upon how Hamas fulfills its ceasefire position of returning the stays of all 28 deceased hostages .

Hamas has handed over the stays of 13 our bodies, 12 of which have been recognized as hostages. Israel stated one of many our bodies launched didn't belong to a hostage.

The handover of stays, together with help deliveries into Gaza, and future governance of the devastated territory, are amongst key factors within the ceasefire, reached on Oct. 10, meant to finish two years of warfare.

The Rafah border crossing The Rafah crossing was the one one not managed by Israel earlier than the war . It has been closed since Could 2024, when Israel took management of the Gaza aspect. A totally reopened crossing would make it simpler for Palestinians to hunt medical therapy, journey or go to household in Egypt, residence to tens of hundreds of Palestinians.

On Sunday, the Palestinian Authority’s Inside Ministry in Ramallah introduced procedures for Palestinians wishing to depart or enter Gaza by means of the Rafah crossing. For many who need to go away Gaza, Palestinian Embassy employees from Cairo might be on the crossing to subject momentary journey paperwork that permit entry into Egypt. Palestinians who want to enter the Gaza Strip might want to apply on the embassy in Cairo for related entry paperwork.

Israel’s warfare in Gaza has killed greater than 68,000 Palestinians, in accordance with the Well being Ministry, which is a part of the Hamas-run authorities within the territory. Its figures are seen as a reliable estimate of wartime deaths by U.N. companies and lots of unbiased specialists. Israel has disputed them with out offering its personal toll.

1000's extra individuals are lacking, in accordance with the Pink Cross.

Hamas-led militants killed round 1,200 individuals, principally civilians, and kidnapped 251 individuals within the assault that sparked the warfare.

Ceasefire second section discussions to begin. Sides commerce accusations of violations The Israeli navy stated on Sunday that militants shot at troops within the southern Gaza metropolis of Rafah, within the Israeli-controlled areas, in accordance with the agreed-upon ceasefire traces. No accidents had been reported. A senior Hamas official denied that Hamas was concerned. Hamas and Israel have accused one another of violating the delicate ceasefire.

In the meantime, Hamas says talks with mediators to begin the second section of the ceasefire, launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, have begun.

Hazem Kassem, a Hamas spokesman, stated in an announcement late Saturday that the second section of negotiations “requires nationwide consensus.” He additionally stated Hamas has begun discussions to “solidify its positions,” with out offering additional particulars.

In line with Trump’s plan, the negotiations will embody disarming Hamas and the institution of an internationally backed authority to run the embattled Gaza Strip.

Kassem reiterated that the group received’t be a part of the ruling authority in a post-war Gaza. Hamas-run authorities our bodies within the Gaza Strip are operating day-to-day affairs to keep away from an influence void, he stated.

“Authorities companies in Gaza proceed to carry out their duties, because the vacuum may be very harmful, and this can proceed till an administrative committee is shaped and agreed upon by all Palestinian factions,” he stated.

Kassem referred to as for a Neighborhood Help Committee, a physique of Palestinian technocrats, to run the day-to-day affairs, to be established promptly.

Hamas rejects US declare of deliberate assault in opposition to Palestinians The group rejected on Sunday a declare by the U.S. State Division that stated it had credible reports of an imminent planned attack by Hamas in opposition to residents of Gaza.

“This deliberate assault in opposition to Palestinian civilians would represent a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire settlement and undermine the numerous progress achieved by means of mediation efforts,” the State Division stated in an announcement Saturday.

Hamas referred to as the declare “false allegations,” and accused Israel of supporting armed teams working in Israeli-controlled areas. Hamas urged the U.S. administration to stress Israel to cease supporting the gangs and “offering them a secure haven.”

Hamas-led fighters clashed with at least two armed groups in jap Gaza Metropolis that the group alleges are concerned in looting help and collaborating with Israel. They executed a handful of suspects in public, in broadly condemned avenue killings.

The Inside Ministry, a part of the Hamas-run authorities, says its forces had been working to revive legislation and order throughout areas Israel’s navy withdrew from following the ceasefire. __

Magdy reported from Cairo.

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