Israeli authorities said Wednesday that forensic testing found items returned from Gaza do not match any of the people killed in Hamas’ 2023 attack. The Prime Minister’s Office said the analysis, completed after materials were handed over on Tuesday, found no link between the returned items and the dead hostages.
With remains of two hostages still believed to be in Gaza, both sides 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 agreement, which both Hamas and Israel have accused the other of violating.
Palestinian media reported that the remains handed over on Tuesday were recovered in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza.
