Israel said Wednesday that forensic testing showed the items returned from Gaza do not match any of the people killed in Hamas’ 2023 attack. The Prime Minister’s Office said the results, completed after materials were handed over Tuesday, found no link to the dead hostages.
With remains of two hostages still believed to be in Gaza, the parties are nearing completion of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Since the truce began in early October, 20 living hostages and remains identified as belonging to 26 others have been returned to Israel. Those transfers are a central element of the fragile deal, which both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating.
Palestinian media reported that the remains handed over Tuesday were recovered in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza.
