Israel denies that the "findings" from Gaza correspond to the remaining hostages

JERUSALEM (AP) On Wednesday, Israel announced that the remains received from Gaza do not correspond to any of the hostages who died during Hamas 2023 assault.

According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office, forensic examinations confirmed that the materials delivered by the Palestinian militants on Tuesday were not connected to the deceased hostages.

With the remains of two hostages still in Gaza, both sides are nearing the completion of the initial stage of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire. Since early October, 20 living hostages and the remains of 26 others have been returned to Israel under the terms of the agreement.

The handovers are a crucial element of the fragile deal, which both Hamas and Israel have accused the other of violating. The remains transferred on Tuesday were discovered in Beit Lahiya, a northern town in Gaza, according to local Palestinian reports.

Author: Sophia Brooks