What's happened
Israel has received the remains of several hostages, including Lior Rudaeff and Joshua Mollel, from Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement. The process has been slow, with ongoing disputes over identification and the return of bodies. The exchange is a key element of the ongoing Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing hostage and remains exchanges highlight the complex and protracted nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The slow pace of returns, especially of deceased hostages, underscores the logistical and political challenges involved. Hamas's delays and Israel's insistence on rapid identification reflect deeper tensions over compliance with ceasefire terms. The return of bodies, including Mollel, offers some relief to families but also exposes the fragility of the ceasefire. The dispute over partial remains and slow recovery efforts suggest that the process may continue to be contentious, potentially affecting the stability of the ceasefire and future negotiations. The situation remains a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict and the difficulty of achieving lasting peace.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Israel has received the remains of several hostages, including Lior Rudaeff and Joshua Mollel, as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The article emphasizes the slow pace of the process and disputes over identification, with Hamas accused of dragging its feet. France 24 confirms Mollel's return, noting the involvement of the US-brokered ceasefire and the complexities of recovering bodies amid Gaza's destruction. AP News highlights the ongoing delays and the broader context of the ceasefire, including Israel's efforts to speed up the process and Hamas's claims of slow recovery due to Gaza's devastation. The South China Morning Post adds that the process remains slow, with some bodies still unrecovered, and discusses the political tensions surrounding the exchanges. The Independent provides details on the identification of the bodies and the ongoing disputes over the remaining hostages, emphasizing the emotional toll on families and the political implications of the delays.
How we got here
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, leading to a war that resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken to Gaza. A ceasefire brokered by the US began on October 10, 2025, with commitments from Hamas to return all hostages and remains. The process of returning bodies has been slow and complicated by identification issues and Gaza's destruction, with Israel and Hamas exchanging accusations over delays.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What is the current status of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire?
The Israel-Gaza ceasefire is a critical development in the ongoing conflict, involving complex negotiations and humanitarian exchanges. Recent reports indicate progress in returning hostage remains and addressing the needs of affected families. But what exactly is happening now, and what are the challenges involved? Below, we explore the latest updates, key issues, and international efforts shaping this fragile ceasefire.
-
Why Are Somali Pirates Attacking Ships Now?
Piracy off the coast of Somalia has seen a resurgence recently, raising questions about what's driving these attacks. With ships seized and crews threatened, many wonder what factors are fueling this dangerous trend. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the recent piracy surge, the regional instability involved, and what international forces are doing to combat it.
-
What is the latest update on hostages in Gaza?
The situation in Gaza remains complex and tense, especially regarding the ongoing efforts to recover and identify hostages. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, there have been significant developments, including the return of some bodies and ongoing disputes over others. Many are wondering about the current status of hostages, the challenges faced in recovery efforts, and what this means for the broader conflict. Below, we explore the latest updates and answer common questions about hostages in Gaza.
-
Why Is the Return of Hostage Remains Important in the Israel-Gaza Ceasefire?
The recent exchange of hostage remains between Israel and Gaza marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. Understanding why this process matters, the challenges involved, and what it means for future peace efforts can help clarify the complex situation. Below, we explore key questions about the return of remains, the ceasefire's status, and the broader implications for peace in the region.
-
What Are the Key Global News Stories Today?
Stay informed with the latest updates from around the world. From conflicts and political shifts to cultural milestones, these stories are shaping today's news landscape. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for the future? Read on for in-depth insights and answers to your top questions.
More on these topics
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.