What's happened
As of February 2026, Israel has returned the bodies of over 360 Palestinians to Gaza, including 15 recently handed over following the recovery of the last Israeli hostage, police officer Ran Gvili. The remains are being examined at al-Shifa Hospital amid challenges identifying many victims. This exchange marks the completion of the first phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, with tensions and violence persisting in the region.
What's behind the headline?
The Human Cost and Political Stakes
The return of Palestinian bodies by Israel, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, represents a grim but necessary step in the fragile ceasefire process. While it offers families a chance for closure, the difficulty in identifying many remains underscores the devastating toll of the conflict and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ceasefire Progress and Challenges
The completion of the first phase of the ceasefire, marked by the recovery of the last Israeli hostage's remains and the reciprocal return of Palestinian bodies, sets the stage for the more contentious second phase. This next phase involves disarming Hamas, deploying international peacekeepers, and rebuilding Gaza—issues fraught with political complexity and deep mistrust.
Divergent Narratives and Future Risks
Israeli leadership emphasizes dismantling Hamas and securing long-term peace, rejecting partial measures. Conversely, Hamas signals willingness to support Gaza's transitional administration but resists disarmament demands. The ongoing violence, including Israeli strikes and Palestinian attacks during the ceasefire, threatens to derail progress.
Regional and Global Implications
The reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, albeit limited, offers a vital lifeline for Gaza's population. However, restrictions on goods and movement persist, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. The international community's role, particularly the US, Egypt, and Qatar, remains critical in mediating and enforcing agreements.
Outlook
The ceasefire's durability hinges on balancing humanitarian needs with security concerns. The identification and dignified handling of bodies are symbolic of broader efforts to restore trust. Yet, without concrete steps toward disarmament and reconstruction, the cycle of violence and suffering is likely to continue.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the emotional toll at al-Shifa Hospital, highlighting families' struggles to identify mutilated bodies and the lack of information on detainees' deaths. The Times of Israel provides data on the scale of bodies held by Israel—over 700 Palestinians—and acknowledges the high death toll in Gaza, with Israeli officials conceding Hamas's casualty figures are largely accurate. SBS and AP News detail the completion of the first ceasefire phase, emphasizing the return of 15 Palestinian bodies following the recovery of Israeli police officer Ran Gvili's remains, and note ongoing violence despite the truce. The New York Post frames Gvili's recovery as a national milestone for Israel, underscoring the government's commitment to dismantling Hamas and rejecting partial peace measures. These sources collectively illustrate the complex interplay of humanitarian, political, and military dimensions shaping the ceasefire's fragile progress.
How we got here
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel triggered a two-year conflict resulting in thousands of deaths and hostages taken. A US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025 included phased agreements: hostage returns, prisoner releases, and body exchanges. The recovery of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili's remains fulfilled a key condition, enabling progress toward disarmament and reconstruction talks.
Go deeper
- What are the next steps in the US-brokered ceasefire plan?
- How are families in Gaza identifying the returned bodies?
- What impact does the return of Ran Gvili's remains have on Israeli politics?
Common question
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What’s the Latest on Gaza Hostages and the Ceasefire?
The situation in Gaza remains complex and evolving. Recent developments include the recovery of a key hostage’s remains and ongoing efforts toward peace and reconstruction. If you're wondering about the current state of hostages, the impact of the ceasefire, and what’s next for Gaza, this page covers the most pressing questions. Keep reading to understand the latest updates and what they mean for the region’s future.
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Why Is Israel Returning Palestinian Bodies Now?
The recent return of Palestinian bodies by Israel marks a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. This move raises questions about its timing, implications, and what it means for the future of peace efforts. Many are wondering why this exchange is happening now and how it fits into the broader ceasefire process. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this sensitive issue and what it signifies for both sides.
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What is the current status of peace talks in the Middle East?
The Middle East remains a region of ongoing tension and fragile peace efforts. Recent developments, including the return of Palestinian bodies by Israel and ongoing violence despite a ceasefire, raise questions about the future of regional stability. Many are wondering how current events are shaping peace negotiations, what role international mediators are playing, and whether long-term peace is achievable. Below, we explore the latest updates and what they mean for the region’s future.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and